By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
AMPANG JAYA, June 24 — The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) is implementing a neutering programme to control the breeding of stray animals within its municipality.
Its president, Ani Ahmad, said the local authority is adopting this approach over euthanising to reduce the overpopulation of strays, while simultaneously raising public awareness.
“We won’t take the ‘catch and kill’ approach because we consider it extremely cruel and an abuse of animals. Instead, we conduct a free neutering programme in collaboration with various parties.
“For instance, we will be cooperating with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) next month to neuter some 500 dogs and cats,” she said after launching the Pet Welfare Awareness Campaign, here, yesterday.
Separately, Ani said MPAJ also plans to build a shelter for stray cats and dogs in the near future.
“That is our intention and we have also already identified a location. However, we don’t have enough funds at the moment as we must also consider several other factors like the costs of food, veterinary and hygiene.
“This matter needs to be viewed comprehensively and MPAJ is currently in the process of raising funds, such as endowment funds, to realise this goal.
Previously, on April 1, Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin called on the state’s local authorities to review the standard operating procedures in catching stray animals.
The Royal Patron of the Stray Free Selangor campaign urged for a more humane and holistic approach to the problem after the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) announced plans previously to ‘catch and kill’ stray dogs in Setia Alam.
