JOHOR BARU: The Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) announced plans to neuter 1,000 stray and pet dogs in a large-scale neutering programme set to begin at the end of this month.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address public complaints about stray dogs and reduce the risk of rabies transmission.
MBJB mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the council has allocated RM395,000 for the programme, which covered consultation fees, operational costs, logistics, and post-surgery sanitation measures.
"The objective of this programme is to prevent an increase in nuisance cases involving these animals," he said during a press conference following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Social Heroes Foundation at the MBJB full council meeting held at Menara MBJB, here today.
He said MBJB received 479 complaints about stray dogs this year up to last month, with 627 complaints filed in 2023, and 703 in 2022.
"It is MBJB's responsibility to address issues related to stray dogs, as we aim to reduce the risk of rabies.
"We received numerous complaints of stray dogs attacking Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) workers, children, and even our own enforcement officers," Mohd Noorazam said.
The neutering programme, in collaboration with the Social Heroes Foundation and veterinary clinics, will take place on Oct 29 and 30, with more sessions planned for the future.
It will cost RM250 per dog, including vaccinations, post-surgery care, and flea treatment.
"This is a more humane, sustainable, and professional approach to managing the stray dog population," he added.
The MoU also focused on raising public awareness about the importance of neutering through health programmes aimed at controlling the stray dog population in the council's jurisdiction.
The programme will encourage the public to neuter both stray and pet dogs at a reasonable cost, and will also adopt a 'Trap, Neuter, and Rehome' (TNR) approach.
"TNR reduces unwanted dog populations by preventing new births, improves animal welfare by lowering the risk of disease transmission, cuts down long-term management costs, and decreases public complaints," said Mohd Noorazam.
He added that MBJB has identified a 1.6-hectare site in Seelong, Senai, to house stray dogs captured under the programme, as the existing facility at Jalan Tahana is currently full.