Stray dogs dash across Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/4, across Putra Business Point in Putra Heights. - Photos: S.S.KANESAN/ The Star.
RESIDENTS living in several areas in Putra Heights want firm action by local authorities to tackle the menace of stray dogs.
They told StarMetro that at least three people including an elderly man had been bitten by dogs that roam in packs around Putra Bistari, Kingsley Hills, Mutiara Flats in Section 9 and Putra Business Point.
Putra Bistari Jalan 2/5 Residents Association chairman Patrick Archibald, 50, said the most recent case happened on March 4 where a man in his 70s was bitten on his leg during an evening walk outside a surau off Persiaran Perdana.
Archibald said several concerned residents had lodged complaints with Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), asking the authorities to catch the stray dogs in the name of public safety.
He said in September 2021 a woman in Putra Bistari was bitten while walking along Jalan 2/5, while in Jan 23 this year, a 26-year-old woman sustained bites at the junction of Jalan 2/5J and 2/5G.
Archibald said residents were afraid to walk along certain roads in Putra Heights due to fear of being bitten and urged MBSJ to resolve this issue, which has affected the neighbourhood since mid-2020.
“MBSJ had previously made attempts to catch a pack of five dogs at Putra Bistari along Jalan 2/5L.
“But on seeing the catchers, the dogs ran into a forested hill that borders Jalan 2/5L,” he said.
Archibald said although he was an animal lover, he was responsible for the residents’ safety and well-being, adding that MBSJ must look into this matter to avoid any more untoward incidents.
A Kingsley Hills homemaker who only wanted to be known as Selina Maria said stray dogs even entered the gated and guarded residential area and chewed up the residents’ shoes.
“On Feb 8, MBSJ caught one adult dog and seven puppies from Jalan 2/3. But the problem persisted as there are still other dogs roaming the area,” she said.
Selina said she was worried for the safety of children living in Putra Heights.
Engineer Kamerul Abdullah said the stray dogs were a big problem in several areas in Putra Heights.
“We can see at least 10 dogs at the open-air carpark at Putra Business Point during the day.
“Most of the time the dogs are under the parked buses. MBSJ must catch them,” he said.
When contacted, MBSJ Corporate and Strategic Management Department deputy director Azfarizal Abdul Rashid said to date, 12 stray dogs had been captured in Putra Heights.
He urged the residents to dispose rubbish and uneaten food properly to prevent stray dogs from scavenging food.
“All rubbish should be properly bagged and put in a closed rubbish bin.
“MBSJ will carry out periodic monitoring (of the stray dog problem),” he added.
Stray dogs dash across Jalan Putra Mahkota 7/4, across Putra Business Point in Putra Heights. - Photos: S.S.KANESAN/ The Star.
Archibald says residents are fearful of walking along certain roads in Putra Heights.
Selina Maria worries for the safety of children in the neighbourhood.
Kamerul urges MBSJ to catch the stray dogs.
