PETALING JAYA: While saving stray animals is a noble cause, animal welfare groups have urged the public to always prioritise their own safety and that of other people when assisting strays.
This comes following a recent incident where a woman made a bold decision to rescue the pet dog that was wandering around a busy roundabout in Gangsa, Melaka.
The dog, reported missing since Aug 9, was coaxed by the woman into her car to prevent it from being hit by traffic, before she reunited it with its owner, an act that drew widespread praise online.
Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) president R. Kalaivanan said people should avoid suddenly stopping their vehicles or running into traffic to chase animals on busy roads.
Instead, he said motorists should stop only at a safe location, observe the animal from a distance, and assess whether it is frightened, injured, confused or approachable.
“If the animal is calm and you are comfortable around the animal, you may try to slowly gain its trust using food and a calm voice to encourage it to move towards a safer area.
“Do not attempt to chase it, surround it with several people or make sudden movements as this may frighten the animal and make it panic, causing it to run further into moving traffic.
“This is to avoid creating a second emergency while trying to solve the first one,” he said, adding that photos or videos to record the exact location should only be taken once the animal is out of immediate danger.
Kalaivanan added that if an animal is on an expressway or posing an immediate hazard, the public should alert the highway operator, police or emergency services rather than step onto the carriageway.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor general manager Kelvin Cheah said rescuers must remain cautious to prevent serious injuries.
He said unfamiliar animals could bite or scratch when frightened, stressed or injured, even if they normally appear friendly.
He also advised people to avoid handling animals, in particular dogs, displaying unusual aggression, severe disorientation, difficulty walking or swallowing, excessive salivation or paralysis as this could be a sign of a rabies infection.
“Rabies is a serious zoonotic disease, and suspected cases should be referred to the relevant authorities rather than handled by members of the public.
“It is always best to give any stray animal space, approach slowly and never put your face close to an unfamiliar animal.
“Any bites or scratches sustained during a rescue attempt must be washed thoroughly with soap and running water immediately, and medical attention sought if rabies exposure is suspected,” he said.
He added that those uncomfortable approaching a stray could also still help by recording its precise location, condition and behaviour.
“The lesson we should take from the case is not that we should attempt a physical rescue, but that everyone can do something, provided they do it safely and responsibly,” he said.
