KUALA LUMPUR – Queen Consort of the Sultan of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin has called for a stop to the Shah Alam City Council’s (MBSA) “catch and kill” programmes on stray dogs.
Instead, other methods should be used to control stray dog populations, including spaying.
Her royal highness said this in a statement issued through the Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page.
“I am saddened and disappointed to hear of the latest developments regarding the operation to catch stray dogs in Selangor.
“I have emphasised many times that I strongly disagree with the ‘catch and kill’ approach by any local authority including MBSA,” said Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, who is royal patron of the Stray Free Selangor (SFS) campaign run by Selangor SPCA.
“I believe there are many other methods that can be used to curb this problem including spaying (neutering).
“As royal patron of SFS, I want the local authority to detail plans for a new, more holistic approach in managing stray dogs,” she added.
She was responding to public outcry over MBSA’s plans to hold a “catch and kill” programme from April 22 to 24. This will involve volunteers from 24 residential zones in Shah Alam and a reward of RM30 for each dog caught.
Following the outcry, MBSA moved to diffuse public anger by saying it would send captured dogs to the Paws Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
However, PAWS yesterday condemned the programme and said it would refuse to take any stray dogs captured under this programme.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin said local authorities should also create animal shelters in each housing estate with the cooperation of animal-loving residents.
“Local authorities should also require housing developers to build or provide similar shelters,” she added.
She reiterated her calls for greater collaboration between local authorities and the SPCA to encourage responsible pet ownership among residents.
It is also time for the authorities to re-examine the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s standard operating procedures on the catching and disposal of stray dogs “to be more relevant to the current situation”, she added. – April 1, 2024