Absence of allocation for animal welfare

ONE notable absence in Budget 2024, which amounts to a staggering RM393.8bil, is an allocation for animal welfare to deal with the growing problem of stray animals, mainly dogs, in the country.

Local authorities have resorted to capturing and, in many cases, euthanizing stray dogs as a method of population control. This approach is not only inhumane but is also often executed with an alarming level of cruelty.

Improper handling techniques can severely injure the animals being captured and further promote distrust between them and humans.

While the act of rounding up strays is often seen as a quick solution to combat overpopulation, it does little to address the root cause of the problem.

Negligence, primarily the failure to spay or neuter strays, tops the list of reasons contributing to the growing stray population.

The TNRM (Trap, Neuter, Release, Manage) method is a humane alternative advocated by animal welfare organisations. This method involves trapping the animals, neutering or spaying them, and then releasing them back to their habitats where they will be managed by concerned individuals or groups.

Not only is TNRM more ethical, it is also more effective in the long term in controlling stray populations. Therefore, it is crucial for the Federal Government to allocate funds for this initiative.

This could involve setting up more animal shelters, improving existing ones, and funding spaying and neutering programmes.

Public education about responsible pet ownership and the advantages of adopting strays could also be supported by this budget.

The government should also push for mandatory licensing and spaying/neutering of all pets, impose heavy fines on those found dumping animals, encourage pet adoption from animal shelter, and provide subsidised or free neutering services for pets of low-income families.

The lack of budget allocation for animal welfare, specifically for strays, is a missed opportunity for Malaysia to demonstrate its commitment to humane and ethical treatment of all beings.

As the country aims for overall progress, it must not overlook those who cannot speak for themselves.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Patron

SPCA Selangor