The rally, attended by more than 100 people, saw Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) president S Shashi Kumar hand over a memorandum to Kampar MP Chong Zhemin.

Shashi said the government had taken no action after GHRF handed a memorandum to 10 MPs at a similar rally in November 2024.

He said the veterinary services department had failed to protect stray animals, and demanded the establishment of an independent body to enforce the Animal Welfare Act.

“We have proposed to reduce the population of stray animals via the trap, neuter, vaccine and release method.

“Instead, the government has taken the easy way out by killing, shooting and poisoning stray animals,” he said.

Shashi pointed to several cases of excessive force used to handle strays, including in Penang and Kuala Langat, Selangor.

Chong said he will study the proposed amendments to the Act and speak to agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu about bringing a bill to Parliament.

He said he will also discuss the matter further with housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming.

Lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, who was also present, said the next hearing for the lawsuit against the Besut district council and the Terengganu government over the killing of stray dog Kopi is set for April 8 at the Kuala Terengganu High Court.