SHAH ALAM: Following an outcry from animal lovers, Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) has clarified that it has no intention of killing stray dogs caught in a planned exercise in Setia Alam.
MBSA councillor Simon Siow said: "The city council has no intention of killing these stray animals.
“The procedure is to catch the strays, and if no owner comes to claim it within seven days, it will be sent to the animal welfare organisations."
Media reports, quoting a notice from the city council, reported that MBSA was planning a Task Force exercise to catch and kill 500 stray dogs in the area from April 22 to 24.
The exercise was to be carried out with the help of the residents' representative councils (MPP) and volunteers, who will be rewarded RM30 for each dog caught.
The notice also said dogs that are caught cannot be claimed and will be brought to the MBSA animal shelter to be euthanised.
However, several animal rights groups had hit out at the city council, stating that the action was cruel and drastic.
Siow said the strong words conveyed in the notice were intended as a stern warning to pet owners.
“While I personally love dogs, we must consider the safety of the public. If stray dogs start to pose a threat, the city council will be held accountable, not the animal welfare organisations,” he added.
