ALOR SETAR: The Kedah government is set to draft new guidelines that may prohibit the ownership of aggressive dog breeds in residential areas across the state, says a state executive councillor.
Kedah housing, local government and health committee chairman Mansor Zakaria said the move follows an incident where five individuals were attacked and bitten by two Rottweilers in Taman Desa Bidara, Kuala Ketil, Baling, on Tuesday.
“I met with the dog owner along with other relevant parties, and after discussions, the owner agreed to surrender the dogs to the Veterinary Office for them to be put down.
“These aggressive breeds are not suitable for residential areas. This is already the second case, and this time, five victims were involved – it is a very serious matter,” he said in a statement.
Mansor added that he had visited all the victims, who are currently receiving treatment at government and private hospitals.
Their conditions are reported to be stable, with some having undergone surgery.
“Their injuries are quite severe, and they are also traumatised. They hope this case will be resolved, which is why we will draft guidelines to prevent such incidents from happening again,” he said.
Kedah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) director Dr Shaharul Amar Talib confirmed that the two Rottweilers were euthanised on Wednesday.
“We found two adult male Rottweilers that had not been neutered ... it was difficult to approach them.
“However, the dog owner cooperated, voluntarily surrendering the dogs to the Kedah DVS staff and agreed to have them euthanised,” he said.
It was previously reported that five people suffered injuries after being bitten by two dogs that had allegedly escaped from their cage.
