Aiming for zero strays on the streets

Xxxxxxx: State executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow (second right) being briefed about the Biotech cooking gas by ViroGreen CEO K. Moorthi (right) at the exhibition booth after launching the Recycle Programme at Perkampungan Permatang Tinggi in Bukit Merjam yesterday. Starpic Mustafa Ahmad (29/12/2013).

CHIEF Minister Lim Guan Eng has directed the Seberang Jaya and Penang municipal councils to work on a Zero Stray Policy.

State Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow described the directive as a big challenge for the local authorities.

“The councils will have to embark on programmes to achieve this as well as enhance their working relationship with all non-governmental organisations to meet the target,” he said.

The programmes would include creating awareness and inculcating responsible pet ownership among the owners, he added.

“When puppies are young, they are cute and attractive. But when the dogs grow big, it is not easy to look after them. So, some owners abandon their pets,” Chow said.

He said he would work with the councils on ways to achieve the Zero Stray Policy.

“There is no deadline yet but it is going to be a big challenge for us in 2014,” he said after opening a recycling carnival held at the Dewan Komuniti Perkampugan Permatang Tinggi near Nibong Tebal on Sunday.

Also present were Seberang Prai municipal councillor Michael Tan, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim and Seberang Prai Municipal Council Local Agenda 21 coordinator Chew Eng Seng.