IPOH: The Ipoh branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) urges the government to reconsider its decision to reject the long-standing Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) programme to curb the population of stray dogs.
“Without more proactive government involvement, it will be difficult to resolve the stray animal issue,” said ISPCA president Ricky Soong, calling on the government to work more collaboratively with civil society stakeholders.
Soong said the letter issued early this month by the Housing and Local Government Ministry labels stray animals as sources of environmental pollution and disease transmission vectors, as well as dismissing TNRM as ineffective.
Soong said the directive has sparked concern among non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have worked for years to manage the stray animal population through the neutering and tracking system.
“This single letter puts a decade of hard work at risk.
“In the letter it clearly states that the government rejects TNRM, and upholds the 'No Stray Policy' by hoping to improve the 'Trap-Reclaim-Adopt-Dispose' approach in order to balance animal welfare and public safety,” he said, adding that ISPCA has been at the forefront of TNRM initiatives.
Soong said between 2017 and 2023, ISPCA collaborated with 20 veterinarians to neuter over 10,000 stray dogs in Ipoh, a move that significantly curbed population growth in key urban areas.
“TNRM works by stabilising the stray population in specific territories.
“Once neutered, these dogs stop reproducing, and our volunteers can continue monitoring them. It creates a sustainable cycle.
“Malaysia’s model is similar to efforts taken in countries such as Turkey and Thailand, where TNRM is internationally recognised as a humane and effective method of stray animal control.
“The programme often includes microchipping, allowing for better tracking of both animals and owners,” he added.
Soong said the real problem is abandonment, and if microchipping were made mandatory, owners could be traced and held accountable.
“That’s how you solve the root cause.
Soong said that with shelters facing overcrowding and dwindling resources, they fear that removing TNRM from the equation could lead to a rise in culling.
He questioned the government’s so-called “No Stray Policy,” asking whether it meant genuine humane solutions or simply mass culling and forced displacement.
“Do these animals not deserve a second chance. The least we can do is allow them the dignity to live,” he said.
