IPOH: Over 6,000 stray dogs were captured in the first nine months of the year in a series of operations by the local government in Perak.
State housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said a total of 6,338 dogs were caught in over 3,000 operations during that period.
She said there is a standard operation procedure by the local councils, and a claim period stipulated.
“If owners or non-governmental organisations wish to claim them, then they have to do so within the stipulated time frame.
“If no one comes forward to claim or adopt, then these dogs are sent to the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) for the next course of action.
“Once they are sent there after exceeding the pound period, the Veterinary Department will assess the condition of the animals and decide on the appropriate handling,” she said at the sidelines of the state assembly sitting here Friday (Nov 28).
She was speaking to reporters after launching the Perak Pawsitive Initiative awareness brochures.
The campaign (Perak Pawsitive), which started in 2024, is a public awareness and subsidised neutering initiative to address the state’s stray animal problem in a humane manner.
Ng said the issue of stray animals is a community issue, and thus the state government has strengthened its efforts to address the matter.
“This initiative is aimed at improving public understanding of animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and related laws.
“We are targeting to neuter 1,000 pet cats and dogs next year.
“Many pet owners are still unaware that animal abandonment is an offence. Owning an unlicensed dog can result in a fine, and that one unneutered animal is capable of producing thousands of offspring in just five years,” she said.
Ng said the brochure also highlights key owner responsibilities, including proper food and shelter, regular vaccinations and treatment, and preventing pets from roaming or being mistreated.
“From January to November this year, 13,816 dog licences were issued across Perak’s 15 local councils, signaling a large and growing group of dog owners.
“The brochure will be distributed statewide beginning next year to dog owners renewing their licences, to Friends of Pawsitive (NGOs), while the digital version in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Chinese will be made available,” she added.
