State exco Chow Kon Yeow says animal activists often accuse the state government of being cruel by putting stray animals down.
GEORGE TOWN: The state government will adopt the trap, neuter and release (TNR) method to tackle the issue of stray dogs, a matter which has frequently been raised by animal activists.
“The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has often been accused as cruel and putting down stray dogs. With this larger capacity building, MBPP will use the TNR approach,” local government, traffic management and flood mitigation committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said.
He was referring to the new veterinary services and vector control centre on Jalan Sungai here.
The RM8.24 million building, which had undergone repairs will be ready for use after Chinese New Year.
“Neutering is done to control the population of stray dogs and cats, after which, the animals will be released to shelters that wish to adopt them,” Chow added.
Chow said that the council came up with the TNR policy following public complaints and added that any reduction in the number of strays roaming the streets would only be noticeable in five years.
He also expressed hope that the centre, apart from conducting TNR, would also be used to carry out awareness campaigns on responsible pet ownership, to prevent problems of pet abandonment.
Chow said they also welcomed veterinary clinics who wish to collaborate with the council, and that they were also open to working with NGOs to take part in awareness campaigns.
He went on to say that MBPP will cooperate with an international animal protection organisation to set up another facility in Relau.
“We are planning on providing a bigger space for this international body to carry out the TNR programme, as well as other awareness campaigns.
“There will be resource corners, and students can come and visit and learn about responsible pet ownership.” -FMT
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