GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) says that the capture of cows found roaming in public areas is carried out in the interests of public safety, cleanliness, and the city’s image.
MBPP’s chief enforcement officer, Noorazrein Noorazlan Ong, said the operation was launched following repeated public complaints about free-roaming cows, including on roads, which pose a risk of traffic accidents and disturbances to residents.
He added that the operation was conducted under the Cow and Buffalo By-Laws, which empower the council to seize animals without prior notice to their owners, as it is often difficult to identify ownership until the animals are secured.
“Captured cows will be auctioned off through the Public Animal Auction conducted by MBPP’s Veterinary Department,” he said today.
It was reported that a livestock farmer, Shahrizal Ahmad, 35, claimed that two of his cows were seized by MBPP despite being tied up.
In a Facebook statement on Aug 3, MBPP revealed that two cows were captured on separate days in the same area of Tanjung Tokong following repeated complaints from the public.
According to the statement, the operation aims to ensure the safety of road users and pedestrians, as well as to maintain hygiene and the visual appeal of the surrounding area.
The council also said that any cows caught in areas with recurring complaints would not be returned to their owners and would instead be disposed of through a formal auction process.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
