KUALA LUMPUR: Euthanasia, or putting stray dogs and cats to sleep, is used only as a last resort by local councils to manage stray animals, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He said currently, the ministry uses methods such as capturing, claiming and prioritising adoptions or handing over stray dogs or cats to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for relocation.
"Disposal through the 'put to sleep' method is only carried out as a last resort in the management of stray animals. It is only for animals that are sick, elderly, or causing disturbances that pose a risk to public safety including rabies," he said during the ministry's winding-up session of the 2025 Budget.
On suggestions to implement the Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release (TNVR) method, he said, it has not yet been recognised as an international standard mechanism and poses significant financial and human resource implications for each local council if implemented.
He said that the Stray Dog Capture and Disposal Guidelines are used by all state authorities and local authorities to manage the issue of stray animals which are implemented alongside the Dog Licensing By-Laws (UUK) for enforcement by local councils within their respective administrative areas.
He assured that any local council that fails to comply with the guidelines to dispose of stray animals under the Animal Welfare Act would have to face investigation and disciplinary action.
"If the ministry receives complaints regarding any party that fails to comply with these guidelines, the ministry will investigate the matter and take further action, including disciplinary action.
"We have the Animal Welfare Act and clear guidelines. Any local authority that fails to comply will have to face investigation and disciplinary action. That is clear," he said.
He said the other method for managing stray dogs was the Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) method, which has been implemented by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) in collaboration with the International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) since 2019.
"The TNR method has resulted in the capture of 5,308 stray dogs by local authorities, which were then released back into public areas, but without receiving booster rabies vaccinations.
"Until now, this issue continues to cause disruptions in the community. We have to take a balanced approach to be fair. Among the issues are property damage, road accidents, faeces on roads or sidewalks, as well as dog bites, injuries and the risk of spreading rabies.
"If the TNVR method is adapted, the number of stray animals will not decrease but will continue to increase the risks to public order, safety and wellbeing," he said.
He added that the number of complaints related to stray dogs in 2023, specifically in Sarawak, was 2,712 complaints, with 15,831 dog bite cases and 109 rabies cases.
As of August 2024, he said, 1,027 complaints of stray dogs were received, with 12,529 dog bite cases and five rabies cases.
"The decline in these statistics is due to proactive actions by the local authorities in collaboration with the Veterinary Services Department, which conducted 2,386 stray animal capture and disposal operations throughout the year," he said.
Last month, there was public outrage after a stray dog named Kopi was shot by local council authorities in Terengganu, just two days after World Animal Day.
Kopi's killing was defended by Besut member of parliament Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh, who reportedly said the action was part of efforts to address the growing problem of stray dogs.
However, Kampar member of parliament Chong Zhemin said under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, such actions were not permitted without following proper procedures.