Operation against stray dogs complied with SOPs, says Klang mayor

 Hamid Hussain, however, declines to comment on claims that pet dog Rocky was beaten before it died in Port Klang on July 29.

Klang mayor Hamid Hussain said the city council faces challenges in addressing the stray dog issue because of manpower shortage and difficulties in securing private contractors to conduct capture operations. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Klang mayor Hamid Hussain has defended the operation against stray dogs that led to the death of a pet dog called Rocky, saying it was conducted in line with the SOPs issued by the housing and local government ministry.

Hamid said the dogs were captured using loop equipment that met the ministry’s standards, but added that he could not comment on allegations the dog had been beaten as police are investigating the matter.

He said the operation was carried out following repeated complaints from residents and students that they had been disturbed and chased by stray dogs, reported Bernama.

“There were victims who suffered critical injuries, which prompted us to conduct the operation together with residents to capture stray dogs in the area,” he told reporters at the Selangor state legislative assembly building today.

“Since the police are investigating the matter, we will leave it to them to complete their probe before any further action is taken based on their findings.”

Hamid said notices regarding the stray dog operation had been issued to residents of the housing area before the operation was carried out.

He also said the Klang city council faced challenges in addressing the stray dog issue because of manpower shortage and difficulties in securing private contractors to conduct capture operations.

Rocky died during an enforcement operation in Port Klang on July 29, with the Klang city council reportedly defending its officers and saying the pet dog’s owner had behaved aggressively during the operation.

The council said the woman acted aggressively by attempting to cut the noose used to restrain the dog and threatening to harm herself if it was not released.

It said the commotion made it difficult for officers to loosen the rope, and confirmed that Rocky died during the incident.

The police, the Selangor veterinary services department, and the housing and local government ministry have all opened separate investigations into Rocky’s death.

The Selangor government, meanwhile, has said it will review its procedures for managing stray animals at all local authorities to ensure enforcement operations are carried out more effectively, safely, and humanely. - FMT