Wani Muthiah, founder of Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB), told FMT that the local councils’ method of addressing the problem of stray dogs in Selangor – by catching the canines and putting them down – was no longer effective.
“If it had been effective, then there wouldn’t be a boom in the number of stray dogs.”
She was commenting on a statement by the director-general of the Public Complaints Bureau, Harjeet Singh, who revealed that the number of complaints on stray dogs had continuously increased since 2014.
Wani explained that the complaints were not due to presence and number of dogs, but more on the nuisance caused by these strays, which include rummaging through garbage, creating a din at night and the possible danger posed when strays travel in packs.
“If we can neuter these dogs, they will stop multiplying and they will stop being a nuisance. They will not move around in packs or make noise at night.”
Wani added that there were many good samaritans who were voluntarily feeding stray dogs on a daily basis, adding that once the dogs are fed, they are less likely to go through garbage to hunt for food.
Members of the public, she added, should be more humane and get together to neuter the stray cats and dogs, which roam the streets and housing areas.
Wani said that by managing strays, a neighbourhood could actually have its own watch dogs.
“Many communities are already doing it. More people should do so.”
Meanwhile, Naomi Paige, who is a frequent volunteer for MDDB, lamented the action of capturing stray dogs, claiming that it “almost equates to culling them”.
“While the public assumes they’re better off in shelters, they aren’t aware of the burden NGOs struggle with daily and how not all uphold a no-kill policy.
She also hoped that the upcoming discussion with the bureau and NGOs – which Harjeet had announced – to find ways to tackle the problem of stray dogs in Selangor would see the culling of strays banned.
“I remain hopeful all parties reach a decision that’ll actually be a long term, humane solution.”