JOHOR BARU: The state government is looking into working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to better manage stray dogs and cats, says Johor executive councillor Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
The state housing and local government committee chairman said the initiative could involve neutering strays, providing them with proper care and facilitating their adoption.
“We want to look at how local councils can work together with NGOs, particularly animal welfare groups, to manage stray dogs and cats.
“For example, the animals could be neutered to prevent them from breeding, while ensuring that they are properly fed and cared for.
“Once they are healthy and properly groomed, they could also be put up for adoption,” he told reporters after launching the Johor Smart City Forum at Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre Pasir Gudang here on Thursday (Aug 13).
He said the approach could be introduced as a pilot project involving one or two local councils as early as next year.
Mohd Jafni also said the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) had established an animal holding centre where stray dogs caught by the council could be housed, fed and treated before being put up for adoption.
“The centre is already completed, and I plan to visit it in September.
“Instead of allowing stray dogs to be left unattended, we want to see whether local councils and NGOs can work together to provide them with proper care,” he said.
Mohd Jafni said similar approaches had been adopted in developed countries, where stray animals were managed in a way that ensured they remained healthy and did not pose a public health concern.
“The idea is to make sure these animals are healthy, properly cared for and protected from disease.
“We will discuss this at the local council level and see how it can be carried out,” he said.
