In Malaysia, it’s always the same old story when it comes to local councils, which is their speed (or more accurately, lack of) when it comes to fixing potholes and their cruelty in dealing with stray dogs.
Though, sadly, their inhumanity in dog catching activities have yet to change despite how viral these incidents have gotten over the years.
Persatuan Haiwan Malaysia – Malaysia Animal Association (Animal Malaysia) recently took to their Facebook page to showcase yet another incident of a scared stray dog being captured inhumanely, this time in Muar, Johor, and has called for them to be more educated in ethics when catching dogs.
They wrote, “It’s already 2023”.
“However, many staff and vendors of stray animal management (dog catchers) of the Local Authority (PBT) are still ‘not smart’ about the Methods and Guidelines for Catching and Disposal of Stray Dogs outlined by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government under the Local Government Act 1976 and also the Methods and Guidelines for the Capture and Disposal of Stray Dogs issued by the Malaysian Veterinary Services Department in May 2008.” After all, they are guidelines for a reason.
The NGO went on to call these dog catchers’ actions uncivilised.
“The Animal Welfare Board has also had to intervene to advise the Chairman of City Councils, Municipal Councils and District Councils on the less intelligent actions of PBT subordinates who take tenders to catch dogs in this ‘uneducated’ manner.”
“This kind of sadistic and brutal catching has an unhealthy effect on the mentalities and souls of the community who are often exposed to these uncivilised methods,” they added.
With that being said, Persatuan Haiwan Malaysia – Malaysia Animal Association has shared their willingness to conduct a workshop for these staff members, to help educate them on how to conduct their dog catching activities humanely.
“Animal Malaysia is willing to hold an education series for PBT staff across the country if the Malaysian Ministry of Housing and Local Government from the Malaysia Madani government is willing to invite us to motivate and provide training and explanations of systemic and manageable dog catching methods.”
“Animal Malaysia is also ready to give ‘instructions’ on how the Local Government Act 1976 can be amended and aligned with the Animal Welfare Act 2015 so that the National Animal Welfare Policy can be achieved and does not conflict with the mistreatment of animals, the restrictions on helping stray animals by the Local Government Act 1976,” they offered.
Managing stray animals need to be done compassionately and humanely, after all, they’re living creatures that have feelings just like humans do.
What do you think about Persatuan Haiwan Malaysia – Malaysia Animal Association’s offer to help educate dog catchers? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: Selangor Queen Orders Local Authorities To Improve Management Of Animal Confinement Centers
