The memorandum, handed over today to a palace representative at Gate 3 of the palace, cites loopholes in the Animal Welfare Act 2015, a law the NGOs say is outdated and poorly enforced.

Speaking to reporters outside the palace, lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan said Sections 30 and 31 of the Act appear inconsistent on whether animals may be shot.

“This ambiguity has led to ongoing court cases, highlighting the need for Parliament to amend the Act,” he said.

The coalition’s recommendations include an immediate halt to culling; tougher penalties under stronger laws; more animal shelters; humane trap, neuter, vaccinate, return/rescue and manage programmes; and nationwide education campaigns to reduce the stigma against dogs.

Global Human Rights Federation president Sashi Kumar also urged the local authorities to allow animal welfare groups to handle stray dog management in the long-term, saying they have “shelters, experience and dog trainers to manage stray dogs”.

In November 2024, the group submitted a memorandum to Parliament calling for ethical management of stray dogs. It was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat but failed to gain support.

Despite further engagement with the housing and local government ministry on March 4 this year and the submission of a detailed humane proposal on April 18, the ministry rejected the plan on May 9. Instead, it directed councils to continue culling.

Separately, Sashi also said the reward for information leading to the arrest of those who skinned a dog alive in Krubong, Melaka, last month has been increased yet again.

Sashi said that the reward was increased today to RM101,000 from the RM51,000 reported in August.

The initial reward offered by Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia was RM21,000 which was derived from donations by the public and businesses.