THE Selangor government will uphold the concerns of Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin who had expressed sadness and disappointment following photos and videos of abandoned dogs neglected at a dog shelter managed by Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MDKL).
Selangor Local Government Committee chairman Ng Sze Han said that based on this case, all local authorities in the state had been ordered to review, evaluate and update the standard operating procedure (SOP) in all animal shelters operated by the local councils to ensure the welfare of the animals.
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"SOP practices will be tabled at the state government for review, better improvement and ensure the measures taken are standardised.
"Upgrading of the animal shelters will also be discussed. Our Selangor government upholds Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin’s concern over the matter," he said.
Ng added that the Selangor government was committed to ensuring animals kept at shelters in Selangor were in good condition.
On Jan 12, it was reported that Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin had directed authorities, especially the municipal councils, to improve and upgrade management procedures at dog and cat shelters under their jurisdiction.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, who is also the Royal Patron of the Stray Free Selangor (SFS) campaign run by the Society For The Prevention of Cruelty Animals (SPCA), said the authorities need to review and adopt a more holistic approach to managing these animal shelters.
Her Majesty ordered that the daily standard operating procedures (SOP) being used at the shelter be reviewed.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin in a post on the Selangor Royal Office's Facebook account had commented that if the current SOP had been effective, there would not be videos showing the dogs as if they were mistreated, neglected and unmanaged.
Her Majesty had suggested that efforts towards preserving the welfare and reducing the number of abandoned animals be intensified, through the "Create Caring and Compassionate Communities" (CCC) campaign.
"Among the steps outlined in the campaign is to re-empower collaboration and cooperation between the municipal council and the residents of the housing areas involved.
"The municipal council in collaboration with the SPCA should conduct responsible pet ownership (RPO) sessions with the residents and prepare a schedule of periodic visits by the SPCA and NGOs to the animal shelters," said her Majesty.
