THERE is no doubt that the presence of stray dogs in one’s neighbourhood can pose a danger to the surrounding community, especially to young children. the elderly and those who keep pets.

Therefore, the management of stray dog population has always been part and parcel of the local municipal council’s job scope.

However, the recent circular by the Shah Alam City Coumcil (MBSA) has drawn flak from the public, especially animal lovers. This follows the council’s strongly-worded warning that dogs caught in its operations cannot be claimed and will be brought to the MBSA animal shelter to be euthanised.

The news even drew Selangor’s ’s attention by voicing her opinion on Facebook that she was disappointed with the entire operation. She added that neutering the strays could help address the situation instead of such drastic measures.

Her opinion was a timely one in the face of rising animal cruelty in our country. It is made even more relevant if we were to examine the situation holistically to realise the increasing stray population is very much a part of our problem.

Firstly, stray dogs have a claim to this world as much as every human. Therefore, the animal should not be penalised for acting out its natural behaviour. The idea is to find a win-win situation where humans and animals can coexist alongside each other in peace.

Politician naysayers who state that such an endeavour is too costly can simply look into the rampant corruption running in our country to get the funds they need.

While we are waiting for our beloved politicians to find the wit to organise such a “complicated” effort, animal shelters should take up the challenge, too, by adopting as many of these dogs.

As for the funds? They should be allowed to draw funds from the government which were previously used to cull the stray dogs.

The concerted effort between the government and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) should raise the country’s image on the international stage instead of building taller and bigger skyscrapers.

And when we think about this, there are many avenues to fund this effort. All it takes is the political will for it to happen. - April 12, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/the-malaysian-govt-should-fund-shelters-to-accommodate-stray-dogs-not-licensing-their-culling/