ABOUT 200 people gathered outside the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Precinct 1, Putrajaya, calling for an immediate halt to the culling of stray dogs.
Among them was social activist and Global Human Rights Federation president S. Shashi Kumar, who handed a memorandum to a representative from the PMO.
The memorandum called for the Federal Government to reform the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and look into the federation’s proposals for humane methods of managing strays.
Shashi said the increasing number of stray animals, particularly dogs, was a national crisis that must be addressed by the government.
“Instead, the government has taken the shortcut approach by killing these animals.
“These strays are also caught (by local councils) and placed in pounds with heavy ‘bail’ fees. Local councils charge up to RM2,000 per dog, which is extortion,” he claimed.
Shashi said the group wanted the government to intervene by working with non-governmental organisations championing animal welfare to solve the problem, including allocating funds towards the matter.
The handover was witnessed by the group, who held up banners and placards in a show of support.
