LETTERS: There are more than 600 million stray dogs and 600 million stray cats globally.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, more dogs are being abandoned by their owners. However, the increasing number of strays will cause more hygienic problems.
Research by the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia, Putrajaya, said 61 per cent of pet owners had seen strays in their neighbourhood.
In Malaysia, there are more surrendered and abandoned animals than adoptions, causing animal shelters to be overcrowded.
Many of these animals were abandoned by their owners who were afraid of getting the Covid-19 virus from their pets or could not care for them after losing their jobs.
People then ask animal shelters and municipal authorities to remove strays, not realising that there is no more room or funding for animals in pounds and shelters.
Moreover, we must foster a sense of acceptance for strays and nature, starting with public education. International Homeless Animals Day is held every year on Aug 20.
Its purpose is to bring attention to the problem of too many strays and to encourage governments and decision-makers to find and implement humane solutions.
Only then can we examine the prospect of allowing neutered animals to live in neighbourhoods with a high degree of acceptance for these animals.
Local governments, the public and educators must speak out against harassing strays and urge people to assist and coexist with them.
Animal rescue groups shouldn't be the only ones caring for strays, but we, as residents, should help and work with stray animal feeders and rescuers.
We can lessen animal suffering and contribute to finding ways to deal with the problem of too many strays.
In conclusion, the way we tackle this issue will reflect on us as humans.
Mahatma Gandhi once said: "The greatness of a nation can be judged by how its animals are treated."
BAY WENG YI
Faculty of Business and Communication, Universiti Malaysia Perlis
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times