KUCHING: There is a need to look at implementing a robust neutering programme for stray animals instead of offering rewards for the public capture of stray animals.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this was because uncaptured animals would still reproduce in six months’ time.
“This problem will keep recurring if we don’t snip it at the source of the problem,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Asia for Animals Conference 2023 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Friday (Oct 13).
Abang Johari also said discussions for having a statewide neutering campaign can be done and the state would need Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) and any of the coalition partners here to work together to do a study on this.
“Let us advance the call for humane stray dog and cat population management and control,” he said.
Abang Johari also said as Malaysia is a signatory to the World Organisation for Animal Health, there is a need to work on greater engagement with the communities, to make significant progress in improving the treatment of stray dogs and working towards the eradication of rabies within the state’s borders.
“Therefore, I want to remind our councils that even in the targeted removal of strays, the welfare of these animals should be monitored.
“We have our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place and we should follow these so that they don’t just become pieces of printed paper,” he said.
He also reminded that pet owners have a responsibility too, even under the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) standards that is to ensure that the dog does not roam out of control in a manner that would pose a problem to the community or the environment.
“These are some of the challenges of urbanisation, ensuring humane treatment and coexistence of animals especially within the urban settings, aligned with United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11 – making our cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
“Creating environments, through education and engagement, where animals can thrive alongside humans,” said Abang Johari.
