IPOH: The Perak government is encouraging the setting up of more non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help curb the issue of stray dogs and cats.
Housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching said there should be such NGOs throughout the state.
She hoped more animal lovers and individuals would form such NGOs wherever possible.
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“It is crucial to have such organisations in every area so that they can work with the local authorities more effectively.
"When the NGOs are able, they can even apply for suitable land to be turned into a shelter.
“At least this way, there is an alternative solution to tackle the issue of strays,” she told The Star on Wednesday (Nov 13).
Ng said the state's Perak Pawsitive Initiative, which aims to neuter strays, needs active NGO participation.
“It is important that animal lovers and the community in general come forward to join such programmes.
“More NGOs also means better alternatives for the strays.
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"With more shelters, (there can be) more adoption drives and cooperation with local authorities on neutering programmes," she said.
Ng said the state government would also make sure all local authorities in Perak comply with the law when handling strays.
“We always make sure that there is no abuse as per animal welfare laws.
“Any issues concerning the abuse of animals are taken seriously,” she added.
On claims by an animal activist that the Manjung Municipal Council (MPM) had been killing stray dogs without mercy, she said an investigation found these to be inaccurate.
“There could be (a) misunderstanding.
“MPM is upgrading its pound, and we always make sure local councils follow guidelines in handling strays,” she said.
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Ng said it was important to create awareness of the importance of neutering to tackle the stray population issue.
“We carried out a neutering programme in Gopeng, where a total of 92 dogs were neutered, and a similar programme was carried out in Tanjung Malim to neuter cats.
“We will conduct this programme next year as well, and I hope we can get more cat and dog owners to be more aware of their responsibilities, and neuter their pets.
“Working with more NGOs will also help realise this initiative,” she added.
On Nov 9, it was reported that the activist claimed stray dogs deep in the jungles of Segari were being shot, which MPM strongly denied.
It was said that residents and activists in the area heard gunshots coming from the jungle, followed by cries of distressed animals.
Stray animals have been in the spotlight since a beloved neighbourhood stray dog nicknamed Kopi was shot and killed by a local council representative in Terengganu last month.
The dog's death sparked mass protests and renewed calls for local authorities to take a more humane approach in handling stray animals.
