IPOH: Animal welfare group Noah's Ark Ipoh (NAI) has apologised if its participation in a recent memorandum on the city's stray dog-catching operations gave the impression that the organisation was attacking the authorities.
NAI president Norfazilatun Mohd Zin stressed that its support for the memorandum stemmed from concerns over stray animal welfare and a desire to foster closer cooperation between non-governmental organisations (NGOs), rescuers, authorities and the community.
Norfazilatun said the group wished to apologise to Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah and Perak state committee chairman Sandrea Ng.
"This statement reflects only NAI's position and not that of the other organisations that had signed the memorandum," Norfazilatun said in a statement on Sunday (July 26).
"Our decision to support and sign the memorandum came from our concern for the welfare of stray animals and our desire to find better ways for NGOs, rescuers, the authorities and the community to work together," she said.
"Our intention was to raise concerns, seek clarification and, most importantly, find a way forward," Norfazilatun added.
She acknowledged that the Ipoh City Council (MBI) has a duty to safeguard public safety and health, and recognised that stray dogs can sometimes pose genuine concerns.
However, she said animal welfare groups also bear the burden of caring for impounded dogs, including redemption fees, transportation, veterinary care, vaccinations, neutering, food, shelter and rehoming.
"The frequency of dog-catching operations had placed considerable pressure on NGOs with limited funds, manpower and space," Norfazilatun said.
"Among our key concerns was the short period allowed to redeem impounded dogs, proposing that the redemption period be extended to at least five working days," she said.
Norfazilatun explained that rescuers need time to identify dogs, locate owners or feeders, raise funds, arrange transport, temporary shelter and veterinary care.
She also reiterated her call for greater clarity on the procedures surrounding the putting to sleep process and relevant standard operating procedures, stressing that the request was intended to improve understanding rather than accuse MBI of wrongdoing.
Norfazilatun said better communication on the redemption process, assessment procedures and available options would enable NGOs to work more effectively with local authorities and reduce misunderstandings.
NAI also called for long-term solutions through collaboration, including trap-neuter-release-manage programmes, responsible pet ownership, vaccination, adoption efforts and public education.
It proposed wider use of microchipping for owned dogs to identify owners, prevent abandonment and reunite lost pets, while urging improvements to MBI's dog pound facilities and security to ensure proper care of impounded animals.
Norfazilatun said the goal should be a safer community with fewer strays in the long term, adding that this requires more than catching.
"We are ready to sit down, listen and discuss. We hope that we can find common ground and establish a better working relationship moving forward," she said.
