By Yasmin Ramlan
PULAU INDAH, Apr 3 — The Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) has vowed to enhance its approach on handling stray dogs following a recent decree by Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin on the matter.
Its mayor Datin Paduka Noraini Roslan said among other things, the local authority is looking to improve its trap-neuter-release policy by identifying more appropriate locations for setting spayed canines free.
She said this is to ensure minimal disruption to local residents.
“This is because approximately 2,500 complaints are lodged annually regarding dog attacks in Klang,” she told reporters during the Kongsi Barakah Ramadan programme with MBDK strata community at Pangsapuri Sri Bahtera, here, today.
According to Noraini, other than the neuter and release approach, MBDK has also implemented other measures to deal with stray dogs, including adoption drives and euthanasia.
She said this in response to a question whether the city council is considering reviewing the catch and kill policy adopted by local authorities in Selangor on stray dogs following Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin’s call for improvements to be made.
Her Royal Highness had said on Monday that current standard operating procedures should be reviewed in favour of a more humane and holistic approach, expressing her opposition to the killing of animals.
Her comments came in light of reports that the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) was planning to catch and kill stray canines in Setia Alam later this month, although the local authority later said this would not be the case.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin is also the Royal Patron of the Stray Free Selangor campaign under the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor.
Noraini said the issue of stray dogs cannot be resolved merely through methods such as neutering and releasing as these animals may pose a risk to the community, including cases involving the biting of children.
“When there are not enough adopters, we have to ‘put them to sleep’. If a different approach is needed, then we require adequate logistics and capabilities,” she said.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that the state government will review its approach to catching and killing stray dogs following the royal rebuke.
It quoted state executive councillor for local government Ng Suee Lim as echoing Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin’s advice for a more humane approach to handling strays.
On a separate matter, Noraini lauded MBDK’s heads of department after they successfully raised RM10,000 to be donated to residents of Pangsapuri Sri Bahtera.
She said the donation involved basic items and cash assistance to 50 residents categorised as being in vulnerable groups such as single mothers, orphans, senior citizens, and the poor.
“I hope that this commendable initiative will continue in the coming years,” she said.
