Better chance at life: Ng (second from left) looking at dogs recovering from spaying during the launch of the Perak Pawsitive Initiative for the Teja constituency, in Gopeng. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
GOPENG: Perak is finalising two key initiatives to tackle the rising number of stray animals, namely the introduction of microchips for dog licensing, as well as feeder mapping to manage the location of animal feeders.
State housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said the first initiative is a proposal to make it compulsory for dogs to be microchipped to increase traceability of pet ownership.
“This move aims to introduce a more transparent and responsible pet ownership system. With microchipping, authorities will be able to trace the owner’s identity, and the animal’s vaccination records and neutering history.
“This would allow dogs to be identified and reunited with owners in the event of disturbances, loss or complaints. It is also expected to reduce cases of owners abandoning their dogs, an act which burdens the community and state resources,” she said after launching the Perak Pawsitive Initiative for the Teja constituency here yesterday.
Ng said the feeder mapping system aims to recognise and regulate those who voluntarily feed stray animals.
She said many feeders have been operating independently for years, often without proper coordination.
“In some cases, feeding areas have led to public complaints due to disturbances, hygiene issues or increasing numbers of strays.
“Through this initiative, feeders will be encouraged to register with the cooperation of local authorities and animal welfare NGOs.
“This will help ensure that feeding areas are monitored, dogs in those zones are neutered and cleanliness is maintained,” she said, adding that a basic digital platform will be developed to map feeding hotspots, allowing complaints to be addressed more effectively, aid to be channelled accurately and intervention strategies to be planned in advance.
“This is not just a technical effort but also an acknowledgement of the community’s role and effort as part of the state’s goal of transforming into a smart city,” she said.
Ng added that the government is studying aspects such as cost implications, record management systems and enforcement methods.
“We will finalise it by the end of the year. The priority is to develop a fair, efficient and enforceable framework for long-term use,” she said.
