The Royal City Council of Klang (MBDK) has denied allegations that its officers violated standard operating procedures (SOPs) during a recent stray dog capture operation that resulted in the death of a dog named Rocky at Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Klang.
Klang Mayor Datuk Abd. Hamid Hussain said the operation was conducted in accordance with guidelines set by Malaysia’s Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT). He explained that the incident occurred after individuals claiming to be the dog’s owner interfered with the capture process.
Dog allegedly died after capture operation was disrupted
According to Abd. Hamid, MBDK officers successfully captured 12 stray dogs during the operation with the cooperation of residents. However, problems arose while attempting to capture the 13th dog.
He said the officers used approved capture methods, including a loop pole and a capture net, both of which are permitted under the ministry’s SOPs. The mayor claimed the dog’s death was caused by a struggle after an individual who initially claimed ownership attempted to intervene during the operation.
He added that if residents had not interfered with the operation, the dog would likely not have died.
Ownership claims remain unclear
Abd. Hamid also said the individual involved should have followed proper procedure by claiming the dog after it had been captured. He noted that the person later changed their statement, claiming the dog did not belong to them after all.
As a result, MBDK has handed the matter over to the police for investigation. Two MBDK officers involved in the operation have already provided statements to the authorities, as reported by Kosmo!
Addressing public criticism over the handling of the dog, Abd. Hamid said capturing stray dogs requires methods that prioritise the safety of both enforcement officers and nearby residents. He explained that aggressive animals cannot always be handled gently, as doing so could endanger officers or allow the animals to escape.
MBDK said residents had been notified of the operation in advance through the local Neighbourhood Watch Committee (Kawasan Rukun Tetangga, KRT). The operation involved 11 MBDK enforcement personnel and approximately 50 residents.
According to the mayor, the council receives around 50 complaints about stray dogs every month, with the issue considered particularly serious in the area.
He said the operation was conducted in response to these complaints and was aimed at addressing public safety concerns caused by stray dogs roaming the neighbourhood.
