KLANG: Animal rescue groups want the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) as well as the Housing and Local Government Ministry to investigate if the Besut District Council (MDB) complied to laws and regulations during a dog-shooting exercise in Jerteh, Terengganu.
This follows public outcry after stray dog "Kopi" which had gained Internet fame was shot and killed in the operation.
Furry Friends Farm president Myza Nordin claimed government agencies such as local councils tend not to follow it.
"Why have the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) when local councils have frequently disregarded it when dealing with street animals?" asked Myza.
Myza said while the AWA does not bind government agencies, local councils must acknowledge it so that the general public will do the same.
She said it was disheartening that some local councils tend not to take the DVS-formulated legislation seriously.
Homeless Paws of Manjung Straya coordinator Joanne Low said it was reckless of MDB to discharge firearms in the middle of Jerteh.
"What if a someone was hit by the bullets?" asked Low.
She also asked if MDB complied with the ministry guidelines distributed to all local councils in 2014.
The 2014 guidelines states that council workers can only use adjustable loops, traps and nets to catch dogs and it must be done without causing any injury to the animals.
The guidelines also clearly state that the use of tranquiliser guns and other methods other than loops, nets and traps must first be referred to the police and the Veterinary Services Department.
FurryKids Safehaven president Kiran Bhatt said local councils must have a proper vetting and filtering system for the complaints it receives on stray animals to ensure they have merit.
"Councils must have proof that the dogs have indeed injured people or are indeed ferocious before acting upon complaints," she said.
MDB president Mohd Sukeri had claimed the shooting was in response to complaints about a pack of aggressive stray dogs.
Meanwhile, Dr Saravanakumar Supramaniam Pillai, who was part of the team which crafted the Animal Welfare Act, said MDB must be asked to prove it had tried looping, trapping or netting before resorting to shooting.
Over 14,000 people have also signed a petition in protest over Kopi's shooting.
