KUALA LUMPUR – The stray dog capture operation at Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang, on July 29 complied with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), said the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK).
MBDK mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said the method used during the night operation followed ministry guidelines, including the use of loop equipment that met the required standards, Bernama reported.
“However, I am unable to comment (on the allegation that the dog was beaten) as it depends on the police investigation report,” he told reporters at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly building lobby today.
Abd Hamid said the operation was carried out following frequent complaints from residents and students who claimed they had been disturbed and chased by stray dogs, with some suffering injuries.
“There were victims who were (seriously injured), which led us to conduct the operation together with residents to capture dogs in the area,” he said.
He added that the injuries suffered by the dog were believed to have occurred during a struggle involving a woman who claimed to be the animal’s owner.
“Based on her initial statement, she said the dog belonged to her, but eventually she said it was not. So we do not know. As this matter involves a police investigation, we have asked the authorities to conduct their investigation first, and any further action will be based on the findings of the investigation,” he said.
Abd Hamid said notices regarding the stray dog capture operation had been issued to residents of the housing area before the exercise was conducted.
He said MBDK faced challenges in addressing the stray dog issue due to a shortage of personnel and difficulties in engaging private companies to carry out capture operations.
The mayor said the council receives around 50 complaints involving stray dogs every month, while Klang’s large geographical area further adds to the challenges faced in managing the issue.
Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has urged all parties not to make selective accusations over the issue of stray dog control in the state, stressing that the state government would continue to prioritise both public safety and animal welfare.
Amirudin said any action taken by local authorities was guided by the need to protect the public while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and animal welfare considerations.
“We will continue to take action against stray dogs… but the state government has to act in the interest of the public good.
“Action was taken, and the Pelabuhan Klang assemblyman also raised the issue of public safety, but why are accusations being made by certain parties, by outsiders?
“That is why I mentioned the point of balance. The point of balance is that we need to take action and prevent incidents involving stray dogs roaming around that could pose safety risks. So, do not make selective accusations,” he said.
Amirudin said this when met by the media after the Selangor Public Servants Gathering with the Menteri Besar at the Jubilee Perak Auditorium, Selangor State Secretariat (SUK) Building, today.
Elaborating further, Amirudin said the state’s position was also aligned with the wishes of Selangor’s Tengku Permaisuri, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, who called for firm action against any party found to have abused animals.
“Do not be angry if there are people who are concerned about animal welfare because we also take care of human welfare,” he added.
The statement came amid public tensions following the capture of a stray dog named Rocky by MBDK at Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang, late last month.
The incident went viral on social media after the capture operation became chaotic when Rocky suffered breathing difficulties and died shortly after being caught by local authority officers. The incident sparked anger among animal welfare activists and members of the local community, who described the capture method as overly harsh.
The matter also drew the attention of Pelabuhan Klang assemblyman Azmizam Zaman Huri, who called for a review of the SOPs governing stray animal capture operations to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Rocky’s death is currently being investigated by police under provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2015. – August 3, 2026