By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Jan 18 — The state government is devising the best system to solve the stray dogs issue without any elements of cruelty, said the state executive councillor for local government Ng Sze Han.
He said the proposal was made with the local authorities, the state Veterinary Department and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to ensure that it could be dealt with effectively.
“A more powerful system will be drawn up together with local authorities, veterinarians and NGOs to ensure that the issue of stray dogs can be dealt with more effectively and without the element of mistreatment of the animals,” he said on Facebook.
Ng said that he was briefed on management challenges of Animal Confinement Centres in a meeting with the Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), yesterday.
According to him, the meeting concluded that the standard operating procedures (SOP) of all animal confinement centres should be streamlined so that they are clean and in good condition which guarantees the welfare of captive animals.
“For the past few years, the state government through local authorities have organised a programme for the adoption of abandoned animals, which has been well received by the community.
“Initiatives like this will always be continued and intensified. The state government encourages associations and individuals to continue programmes like this,” he said.
Last week, Ng instructed all local authorities in the state to review and update the SOPs of animal confinement centres under their respective administrations.
This follows the concern of Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin who was saddened by the condition of animals in confinement centres that have been infected recently.
