KILLING of stray animals is not a viable solution but tarnishes the nation’s image for lacking compassion towards animals, animal activists say.
Gabungan NGO Haiwan Malaysia president S. Shashi Kumar said the coalition, comprising 40 non-governmental organisations (NGO) focusing on animal welfare, was calling for a stop to dog culling activities by local councils or other agencies.
A memorandum outlining their demands was submitted to Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) and Agriculture and Food Security Ministry on May 16.
“We have not heard from the authorities since we submitted the memorandum,” said Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) president and founder R. Kalaivanan.
Lawyer and activist Rajesh Nagarajan said the Animal Welfare Board, under the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), should be responsible for protecting animal rights.
“It’s time to amend the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
“While the Act appears to offer protection to animals, it also grants authorities the power to euthanise dogs with immunity from legal consequences,” Rajesh said.
He added that the conditions at many animal pounds remained poor and catching of stray dogs was still carried out in cruel and inhumane ways.
Rajesh added that only trained DVS personnel should be authorised to euthanise animals.
“Local council officers lack the expertise to humanely put down animals.
“The Animal Welfare Board should be voicing out on these issues,” he said.
Rajesh said the board comprised top officials from KPKT, Health Department and NGO representatives.
In the memorandum, the coalition is calling for an immediate end to the killing of stray animals, structured and inclusive dialogue with animal welfare stakeholders, comprehensive revision of Animal Welfare Act 2015, and proper training for local councils on humane dog-catching methods.
The groups is also urging the government to provide more support for NGOs to carry out free Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programmes, which was a humane and effective method to reduce stray populations.
