TIRED of playing cat and mouse with elusive stray dogs, Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) is considering roping in residents associations (RAs) to help with the problem.
MPKL president Mohd Hasry Nor Mohd said the local council’s dog catchers faced an uphill challenge in locating and catching dogs in the Selangor municipality.
“There are simply too many strays and it is impossible to catch all of them,” he said during MPKL’s full board meeting at its headquarters in Banting.
He proposed for each councillor be given two dog traps, which could be loaned to RAs in affected areas.
“Once the dog is caught, we will arrange for its collection,” he said, adding that MPKL currently has 40 dog traps set at various locations.
Mohd Hasry said the council received complaints about strays directly from the public and via area councillors.
“This included those who felt threatened by the presence of the strays.”
He said MPKL had received two complaints regarding dog attacks this year, one involving a stray and the other, someone’s pet which was roaming freely.
“While the majority of dogs are not aggressive, a few are. The council has responded swiftly to complaints.
“However, the team struggles to find the exact stray dog that poses a threat.
“It is as if the dogs are able to sense our vehicles coming, and go into hiding,” he said.
“Often, dog catchers return without capturing any canines.
“It would be helpful if complainants provided more detailed descriptions of the dogs when making a report,” he added.
Mohd Hasry said MPKL was also seeking humane approaches to solve the problem.
“Our current dog pound has a capacity for only 20 animals.
“A new facility, currently under construction, is expected to be completed this year.
“It will be able to house up to 100 dogs but even that will not be sufficient.
“A holistic approach is required, including encouraging adoption of stray animals,” he said.
MPKL records up to May show that 290 stray dogs have been caught. Last year, a total of 721 dogs were rounded up.
At present, the local council uses methods such as trap-neuter-release and relocating dogs away from residential areas as its primary strategies in dealing with strays.
Dogs that are sick or suffering are humanely euthanised, while some are taken in by animal welfare non-governmental organisations.
