A coalition of 25 NGOs submitted a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara today urging royal intervention over the “systematic and inhumane” killing of stray dogs by local authorities.
The memorandum, handed over today to a palace representative at Gate 3 of the palace, cites loopholes in the Animal Welfare Act 2015, a law the NGOs say is outdated and poorly enforced.
Speaking to reporters outside the palace, lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan said Sections 30 and 31 of the Act appear inconsistent on whether animals may be shot.
“This ambiguity has led to ongoing court cases, highlighting the need for Parliament to amend the Act,” he said.
The coalition’s recommendations include an immediate halt to culling; tougher penalties under stronger laws; more animal shelters; humane trap, neuter, vaccinate, return/rescue and manage programmes; and nationwide education campaigns to reduce the stigma against dogs.
Global Human Rights Federation president Sashi Kumar also urged the local authorities to allow animal welfare groups to handle stray dog management in the long term, saying they have “shelters, experience and dog trainers to manage stray dogs”.
In November 2024, the group submitted a memorandum to Parliament calling for ethical management of stray dogs. It was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat but failed to gain support.
Despite further engagement with the housing and local government ministry on March 4 this year and the submission of a detailed humane proposal on April 18, the ministry rejected the plan on May 9. Instead, it directed councils to continue culling.
Separately, Sashi also said the reward for information leading to the arrest of those who skinned a dog alive in Krubong, Melaka, last month had been increased from RM51,000 to RM101,000.
Previously, Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) said the initial reward amount of RM21,100 came from donations contributed by the public and businesses. It was later increased to RM51,000 with the help of a “concerned businessman”.
