There have been countless stories and incidences of local council authorities breaching their SOPs during stray dog catching activities that can be viewed as inhumane.
While many animal lovers have pointed this out time and time again, nothing seems to be done about it.
Now, NGO, Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia – SAFM, is taking a step further by urging the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to take action against the local councils whose staff breach SOPs during dog catching, to eliminate inhumane practices.
They wrote, “SAFM urges the authorities to carry out their duties in relation to cases of violation of SOPs during dog catching. On February 26, 2024 (Saturday), the Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) sent a memorandum to the Inspector General of Police at Bukit Aman.”
“The memorandum urges the police to carry out their duties of investigating cases of SOP violations that occur when local authorities (PBTs) catch stray dogs. The submission of the memorandum was also attended by Parti Rakyat Malaysia.”
Complaints from the public in regards to local council staff have been ignored?
They shared how, despite the uproar online and the Animal Welfare Act 2015 also protecting stray animals from inhumane practices, nothing is being done to protect these strays from local council staff’s aggressive behaviour against them.
“SAFM President, Kalaivanan Ravichandran told the media about the flood of complaints and reports received about the aggression committed by officers appointed by PBTs during dog catching activities. SAFM does not prevent the authorities from catching strays. However, standards have been made available for all officers to be complaint of.”
“If the SOP is followed, the dog capture process can be done safely and humanely. SAFM is very sorry to see the public’s complaints being ignored by the police. Because of this, we are called to submit a memorandum to raise this issue in a louder manner,” they explained.
SAFM also added that stray animals also protected under the Animal Welfare Act 2015. Hence, the authorities should carry out their duty in upholding Malaysian law.
Do you think the authorities will take action against local council officers who act aggressively against stray animals during their capture, now that the NGO has handed over a memorandum?
Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: BERSIH Marched to Parliament Today to Pass on a Memorandum. Here’s What It’s About!
