SHAH ALAM, Oct 12 — The Selangor government has been urged to launch a coordinated statewide operation to tackle the persistent stray dog problem, which continues to threaten public safety.
Kajang Assemblyman David Cheong Kian Young said a comprehensive operation would be more effective than separate measures carried out by individual local authorities, as stray dogs could simply move from one area to another.
"We should carry out a coordinated operation across Selangor to capture stray dogs at the same time. Otherwise, when we catch them in Kajang, they flee to Semenyih. When we catch them in Semenyih, they move elsewhere," he said during Media Selangor's SKOP Selangor Budget 2027 programme.
He also proposed that the state government designate a fenced area on government-owned land to house captured stray dogs, with males and females kept separately to control breeding.
"Set aside a small piece of land, perhaps five acres, and fence it off so that once the dogs are caught, the males and females can be separated. Otherwise, these animals can give birth three times a year, producing five or six puppies each time," he said.
Media Selangor previously reported that all local authorities in the state had been instructed to allocate dedicated funds next year to expand neutering programmes as part of a more systematic approach to controlling the stray dog population.
Local government executive councillor Dato' Ng Suee Lim said the initiative aimed to reduce and control stray dog breeding so that the problem could be addressed gradually.
He said the programmes would be conducted more frequently through collaboration among local authorities, councillors, assemblymen, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and veterinary professionals.
Elaborating, Cheong said the stray dog issue required serious attention as it not only disrupted residents' peace of mind but also increased the risk of accidents.
"I hope this issue can be resolved as soon as possible. Otherwise, the situation will only get worse. People trying to avoid dogs have fallen and been run over by lorries, while children have been chased by stray dogs," he said.
He therefore hoped the proposals would be considered under Selangor Budget 2027 to ensure that the stray dog problem could be addressed through a more coordinated, comprehensive and long-term approach.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari is scheduled to table Selangor Budget 2027 at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly on November 13.
