CAP Applauds Royal Support, Urges Humane Solutions to Malaysia’s Stray Dog Crisis
The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) commends Tengku Permaisuri Selangor for her compassion and kindness in speaking out on behalf of the voiceless stray animals. This is a significant milestone, and CAP sincerely hopes that all local councils in Malaysia will heed Tengku Permaisuri’s royal advice rather than the ruthless and inhumane practice of killing street dogs.
The tragic death of Kopi sparked outrage among animal lovers, prompting protests and an online petition to the Besut District Council in Terengganu. This tragic incident is the latest in a string of brutal dog-shooting operations carried out by local councils, demonstrating a disregard for animal welfare and public concern.
Dog shooting operations are frequently carried out by city, local, and district councils in the most inhumane and barbaric manner, resulting in unfortunate incidents such as injuries or the death of an innocent human being. These incidents demonstrate a consistent disregard for Malaysia’s Animal Welfare Act 2015, which forbids shooting animals except in life-threatening situations. Nonetheless, some local authorities continue to operate with impunity, disregarding legal and ethical standards.
The killing of stray dogs has also become a public relations nightmare for local authorities. Graphic images and reports of brutal operations frequently go viral, causing outrage among Malaysians and undermining trust in the local government. These entities are perceived as arrogant and dismissive of both animal and human welfare, which further undermines their credibility.
The motivation behind these shoot-to-kill operations remains a source of great concern. Are they simply convenient for councils, or do they help to appease complainants who exaggerate the dangers posed by stray dogs? Complaints are frequently addressed without evidence, raising questions about fairness and accountability. Before resorting to the kill, councils must verify the validity of complaints and provide proof of threats or aggression.
CAP believes that shooting stray animals is not only cruel, but also ineffective in addressing the underlying causes of overpopulation. The problem necessitates humane and long-term solutions, and councils could collaborate with veterinary services, animal welfare organizations, NGOs, and animal rights lawyers to develop comprehensive strategies. These should include widespread spay-and-neuter campaigns, mandatory pet registration and identification via microchipping, clamp down on backyard breeders and puppy mills, and public education on responsible pet ownership.
Public education is also necessary for changing attitudes toward stray animals. Many complaints stem from the misconception that strays are inherently dangerous. Councils should work with communities to address issues such as unregulated feeding or perceived nuisances through nonviolent means. Last but not least, legislative provisions should include control recommendations, and effective enforcement is essential.
A call for humane, legal, and effective solutions to Malaysia’s stray dog problem is the appropriate approach. It is time to break the cycle of cruelty and embrace enlightened, humane practices. Malaysia can set an example by cultivating a society that values the well-being of all of its inhabitants, both human and animal.
Mohideen Abdul Kader
President,
Consumers’ Association of Penang
Letter to the Editor, 18 December 2024