Humane way to deal with strays in Selangor

(From left) Campaign co-chairman Datin Norely Abd Rahman, Tengku Amir Shah, Sultan Sharafuddin, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, Chin-Radford, Lee and Azmin during the launch of Stray Free Selangor.

LOCAL authorities in Selangor are urged to spay or neuter stray cats and dogs to control its population instead of the catch-and-kill method that is being practised.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said the state would support the move by ensuring that all local councils are educated on the importance of spaying and neutering animals and understanding the correct procedures.

“It is a good initiative to teach people and pet owners about animal welfare. We should all have more compassion towards animals and Selangor should take the lead,” he said, adding that the method was more humane.

“Selangor through its local councils will work together with Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to see how this effort can be implemented in all areas of Selangor.” he said.

Azmin was speaking to reporters after the launch of the Stray Free Selangor: The Humane and Compassionate Way campaign by the Selangor SPCA yesterday.

The campaign was launched by its royal patron Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin at the Shah Alam Convention Centre.

Also present during the launch were Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, and Selangor SPCA patron Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

Selangor SPCA chairman and campaign co-chairman Christine Chin-Radford said the campaign would be successful with public support and co-operation with the local authorities.

“If you find a stray dog or cat in your area, you can help by feeding them, capturing them and taking them to one of our panel vets to be spayed.

“SPCA will subsidise the cost. For cats, we will cover 80% of the fee and for dogs, we will cover half of the bill.

“From the sponsorships we have received, I think we can spay and neuter at least 3,000 animals,” she said, adding that after the animals are neutered, they would have their left ear clipped to be identified by the local councils, before being released.

“Spaying and neutering will control the population of strays in the neighbourhood and improve their chances of being rehomed,” she said, adding that the Selangor SPCA received about 60 strays a month but could only rehome about 40.

Lee said the spay-and-release method was in line with the Animal Welfare Act 2015, that was gazetted on Dec 29, 2015.

“Spaying and neutering strays will help prevent cruelty towards animals. The SPCA committee will work closely with local authorities to ensure they are educated in animal welfare and that the Act is implemented,” he said.

Through the campaign so far, SPCA has raised RM170,000 from sponsors and donors, including the Selangor state government, Yayasan Raja Muda and platinum sponsor Robots and Rembrandts.