This follows public concern from residents of Kampung Bahagia, Teluk Intan, who fear for their safety due to a surge in the number of stray dogs.

Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) said attempts to capture and kill stray dogs were cruel and would prove ineffective in the long run.

“Such actions merely postpone the issue without addressing its root cause — irresponsible pet ownership and the eventual abandonment of animals,” it said in a statement today.

“SAFM firmly calls on Nga Kor Ming, the Teluk Intan MP, to seriously heed our call and immediately allocate funds and space for NGOs willing to take firm and responsible action in managing the stray dog population through more humane means.”

The group also urged the government to roll out a mass sterilisation campaign and build proper shelters, while running aggressive awareness campaigns to educate the public about responsible pet ownership.

SAFM added that only with the support and immediate action from the government can the stray problem be effectively and humanely resolved.

Their plea comes after growing anxiety among residents of Kampung Bahagia, who said the stray dog situation has become unbearable.

According to Utusan Malaysia, one of the residents, Arif Rasit, 70, was hanging laundry in his yard when a pack of 16 dogs charged at him.

“I fell trying to escape and injured my leg. I’m worried these dogs might hurt someone, especially children,” he was quoted as saying.

Another resident, Yursi Sanusi, 30, was reported as saying that she feared being attacked during her early-morning commute to work.

“These dogs show up around 3am, likely coming from the garbage dump. We’re not only worried about our safety. We are also worried they may carry rabies,” she was quoted as saying.