MELAKA: Stray Animal Foundation Malaysia (SAFM) has urged the public to protect stray dogs and cats from heatstroke during the current hot spell.
Its president, Kalaivanan Ravichandran, said strays are especially vulnerable as many lack clean water, shelter and timely care. SAFM has also received complaints of pets left outdoors under direct sunlight without sufficient water.
“Such neglect constitutes an offence under Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, and legal action may be taken against pet owners who fail to ensure the welfare of their animals, including providing sufficient water and proper shelter,” he said in a statement on Thursday (March 26).
He said warning signs of heatstroke in animals include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, weakness, vomiting, drooling, loss of coordination, collapse and abnormal gum or tongue colour.
“Hot weather can become a death sentence for stray animals,” he said.
He also said that temperatures inside vehicles can rise sharply, making them extremely dangerous even when animals are left unattended for a brief period.
Kalaivanan urged the public to take simple steps such as placing clean water bowls in shaded areas and refilling them daily, providing temporary shaded spaces, feeding strays during cooler hours, such as early morning or evening, and watching for signs of distress.
Business premises, places of worship, schools, offices and security posts can support community efforts by allowing the safe placement of water bowls.
