NGO representatives and concerned residents after handing over the memorandum to a representative of the mayor in Subang Jaya. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
SUBANG Jaya City Council (MBSJ) has denied allegations of stray animals being mistreated, including issues of overcrowding, at its pound.
Viral videos raised concerns about the welfare of stray dogs, including claims of improper handling by foreign workers without valid permits, and that they were paid a sum for each dog caught.
“We prioritise the well-being of animals under our care,” Subang Jaya mayor Datuk Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim said in a statement.
He said this year, MBSJ had invested RM52,000 to ensure a clean and adequate environment for animals at the pound, covering expenses like medication and food.
“Our health department also has a practising veterinarian.
“A total of 79 dogs are currently housed in four kennels at the pound,” he said.
The videos question what happens to the “dozens” of stray dogs caught that are then housed in a “limited space” within MBSJ’s pound in Taman Perindustrian Puchong Utama, Puchong.
One video shows former MBSJ councillor Michael Tamilarason standing outside the pound while another was posted by Persatuan Kebajikan Haiwan Terbiar Sungai Buloh (Fauziah Paws Care) president Siti Fauziah Abdul Jabbar.
Amirul Azizan explained that operations to capture stray dogs were conducted based on public complaints.
MBSJ received 1,017 complaints about stray dogs this year, including 53 cases of dog bites.
“Captures are carried out by both council staff and an appointed contractor.
“The contractor is a bumiputra-owned company with all workers holding valid work permits.
“MBSJ officers closely monitor all capture operations to ensure compliance with established standard operating procedures (SOP).
“Euthanasia is only considered as a last resort,” he said.
According to the statement, operations are carried out in accordance with Dog Licensing and Dog Breeding House Bylaw (MPSJ 2007).
The capture methods are outlined in the SOP for Capture and Disposal of Stray Dogs by Local Authorities (based on a circular issued by the then Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government secretary-general in 2014).
Following the videos, representatives from non-governmental organisations and concerned residents staged a peaceful protest at MBSJ headquarters.
They presented a memorandum to the mayor’s representative, outlining their concerns and recommendations.
Siti Fauziah said, “These include ensuring only workers with valid permits are hired, conducting a thorough audit of MBSJ’s pound to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards and ensuring SOPs on animal welfare are aligned with the Veterinary Services Department’s guidelines.”
