KUALA LUMPUR: Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin has recently expressed her disapproval of the Shah Alam City Council’s (MBSA) plan to capture and eliminate 500 stray dogs in the township. She believes that there are more humane and effective methods to manage the stray animal population and has called for a review of the standard operating procedures on handling strays by the Local Government Development Ministry.
In a statement, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin emphasized her disagreement with the ‚catch-and-kill‘ approach taken by local authorities, including the recent viral operation by MBSA. She believes that there are alternative methods, such as neutering, that can help address the issue of stray animals in a more compassionate manner.
As the patron for the Stray Free Selangor campaign under the Selangor SPCA, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin has been advocating for newer and more holistic approaches to managing stray dogs. She has suggested intensifying efforts to protect the welfare of stray animals through initiatives like the Create Caring and Compassionate Communities (CCC) campaign.
The CCC campaign focuses on promoting Responsible Pet Ownership (RPO) through collaboration between local councils and organizations like the SPCA. Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin has recommended seeking advice from animal welfare groups before considering euthanasia for neglected animals and expanding neutering programs to control the stray population.
Additionally, she proposed the establishment of shelters for stray animals in each neighborhood, with the support of animal-loving residents. Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin believes that local councils should make it mandatory for housing developers to include such shelters in their projects to provide a safe haven for stray animals.
Currently, the Selangor SPCA, in collaboration with various veterinary associations, is conducting a neutering program called ‚Potong Royong‘ for cats and dogs. Since its inception in March 2023, the program has successfully neutered 1,626 animals to help manage the stray population.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin also urged authorities to review the existing standard operating procedures governing the capture and elimination of stray dogs to ensure that they are relevant and humane. She emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to manage stray animals effectively and not just taking superficial actions.
In conclusion, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin’s advocacy for more compassionate and sustainable solutions to address the issue of stray animals highlights the importance of considering the welfare of these vulnerable creatures in urban environments. By promoting responsible pet ownership, expanding neutering programs, and creating shelters for strays, local authorities can work towards creating a more humane and harmonious coexistence between humans and animals in our communities.
