PETALING JAYA: Stray dogs captured during a recent capturing operation in Taman Keenways on Wednesday (Jan 8) are safe and sound, says the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
The council said that the tranquiliser gun it had used to capture the dogs were officially approved and that no form of cruelty, violence or abuse had taken place during the operation.
“The methods used were in compliance with the standard operating procedures for Animal Capture and Disposal under the Housing and Local Government Ministry's circular, No. 5/2014.
“The capture methods also align with the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and the Code of Practice for Animal Welfare in Stray Animal Control Activities.
“The use of anaesthetic was closely monitored by a MBSP registered veterinarian who ensured that the dosage used would not cause side effects on the animal,” it said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 9).
MBSP said that the captured dogs had fully recovered from sedation with all of them in both good health and free of injuries as they are held at MBSP’s animal pound for a mandatory period.
The council said all the dogs have also undergone health checks by an MBSP registered veterinarian and would be transferred to a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) permanent shelter for adoption.
“The animals will be transferred to SPCA’s shelter if no claim is made for them within the next seven working days.
“During their stay at the pound, the animals’ food, water and welfare needs will be taken care of by pound workers who will also continue to clean the pound routinely,” it said.
MBSP also reminded all dog owners, volunteers, and feeders to be responsible for their animals to prevent public disturbances and complaints as the operation was part of an ongoing effort to address complaints about stray animals in hotspot areas across Seberang Perai.
It further emphasised that all dog capture, neutering, and release (TNR) programmes conducted by NGOs in Seberang Perai must be officially registered with and approved by MBSP.
MBSP’s statement comes after clips of the dogs seemingly being “shot” during a dog-catching operation in Seberang Perai went viral on Wednesday.
