Selangor to review rules on managing stray animals

 The announcement comes in the wake of a call by Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin for compassion towards animals, after an outcry over the death of a pet dog.

State executive councillor Ng Suee Lim said the review will cover training, procedures, and efforts to strengthen cooperation with the veterinary services department and others. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

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

State executive councillor Ng Suee Lim said the review will cover training, procedures, and efforts to strengthen cooperation with the veterinary services department and relevant stakeholders, Bernama reported.

The announcement comes in the wake of a call by Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, consort of the Selangor sultan, for compassion towards animals and for upholding the principle that no one is above the law.

Her statement earlier today came after a public outcry over the death of a pet dog Rocky in Port Klang during a city council operation against strays.

The federal ministry of housing and local government has also stated it would carry out a thorough investigation into the controversy sparked by the killing of the dog.

Ng, who is responsible for local government and tourism affairs, said the state government was committed to ensuring public safety while strengthening animal welfare practices and maintaining public confidence in government institutions.

Ng said the state government also welcomed the views of Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.

“These values will continue to serve as the foundation for the implementation of the state government’s policies and actions,” he said.

Ng said the state government had also taken note of the police report lodged by the Klang City Council over the death of a dog during an operation to capture stray dogs at Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang.

He said the state government would leave the matter to the police, and urged all parties to respect the investigative process and refrain from speculation.

“The Selangor government expresses its sadness over the incident. We take this matter seriously as public safety and animal welfare are two responsibilities that must be upheld in a balanced manner.

“Every enforcement operation must be carried out professionally, responsibly, and in compliance with the law and established standard operating procedures,” he said.

Earlier today, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin expressed her sadness, disappointment and anger about recent animal cruelty cases. She also urged the federal government to review penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 to ensure that punishments for offenders are strengthened and enforced more consistently. - FMT