PETALING JAYA: The inhumane killing of stray animals by local councils can only be resolved with a holistic whole-of-society approach instead of just changes to the Veterinary Services Department (DVS), say animal activists.
Malaysia National Animal Welfare Foundation chairman Datuk Dr Mohd Nordin Mohd Nor said there is a disconnect between DVS and local councils regarding awareness and understanding of federal laws on stray animal welfare.
He said the situation is made worse by the use of vague language in the existing Animal Welfare Act 2015 that lacks both clear definitions on the humane way to capture or euthanise stray animals.
“Every local council has their own by-laws and many of them have not been updated to be in line with current regulations as some are not even aware of new requirements under the Act.
“There is also currently no clear definition on a humane way to euthanise an animal which makes it difficult for local councils to implement or enforce changes especially if they outsource stray animal management.
“As such, DVS needs to not only make local councils aware of what local by-laws need to be changed but also clear guidelines on what is considered humane capture or euthanisation methods,” he said when contacted.
Foundation deputy chairman Dr Amilan Sivagurunathan said the lack of understanding and awareness had also led to uncoordinated efforts by local communities to help strays that worsened the situation.
“Many locals end up feeding strays without neutering them which end up making them not only bolder but also reproduce more. DVS must work directly with all local councils to disseminate information and guidelines to the local communities on how to deal with strays or risk having their efforts go to waste,” he said.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Selangor chairman Christine Chin gave a similar opinion, saying the lack of standard operating procedure made many just rely on existing inhumane stray management practices.
“There is no SOP currently for local councils on how to humanely capture or euthanise stray animals nor criteria on how hostile a stray animal has to be that it needs to be euthanised.
“This leaves many local councils to their own devices with many of them treating stray pets as pests to be exterminated through extreme cruel methods under their local by-laws as a result,” she said.
She added that this can be resolved by having local councils coordinate with local veterinarians and stray feeders or rescuers as part of their own community system.
