Latest news with #strayanimals
Malay Mail
23-07-2025
- Malay Mail
Ipoh City Council addresses viral video concerns, denies dogs buried alive
IPOH, July 23 — The Ipoh City Council today confirmed that the burial of several dogs at a pound in Lahat, which went viral in a video yesterday, but denied the animals were buried alive as alleged. The council's enforcement and safety director, Ahmad Zaiyadi Sudin, said the dogs were euthanised prior to the burial, which he insisted was in line with standard operating procedures (SOP). 'The disposal method used was 'put to sleep' (PTS), carried out in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS),' he said at a press conference at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building. 'This is a globally accepted and humane method of euthanising stray animals under Section 32E of the Animal Welfare Act and local dog licensing by-laws.' Ahmad explained that the dogs shown in the video were already euthanised. 'If the dogs were alive, they would have certainly run away. Clearly, that did not happen,' he asserted. He said that PTS is only used after a mandatory three-day holding period, during which owners can reclaim their pets. 'These dogs were caught based on complaints — such as biting, aggressive chasing, or being left to roam the streets. If no one comes forward within three days, the animals are assessed by the DVS and, if deemed necessary, euthanised humanely.' Long-term solutions needed Ahmad noted that stray dog complaints in Ipoh remain high, with 740 complaints about strays and 201 involving pet dogs received between January 1 and July 20 this year. He added that 35 dogs were euthanised on the day of the recent incident, part of a total of 270 since last year, many of which had health issues or were involved in serious incidents. Also present at the press conference, Perak Local Government Committee Chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching stressed that while PTS is a legal last resort, with the government actively pursuing long-term solutions. 'We are not relying solely on euthanasia. We're tackling the root causes through public awareness, responsible pet ownership, and collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs),' Ng said. She highlighted initiatives under the Perak Pawsitive programme, including subsidised neutering campaigns, a proposed microchip registration system, and engagement sessions between local councils and animal rescuers to build mutual understanding. Since the campaign's launch last year, 301 dogs and 254 cats have been neutered. Ng also explained the shift from a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) approach, which she said proved ineffective due to continued complaints, to a Trap-Neuter-Rehome (TNRh) method. 'However, the adoption rate in the state remains very low,' she noted. Ng expressed regret over the spread of misinformation regarding the incident, which sparked public outrage, and warned that the state would not hesitate to take legal action against those spreading false claims. The viral footage, which circulated widely yesterday, drew outrage and calls for accountability from animal lovers and NGOs. Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) president Ricky Soong described the scenes in the video as 'heartbreaking' and 'inhumane.'
Free Malaysia Today
16-07-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Penang NGO offers RM20,000 to catch killers of strays
Some of the dogs and birds found dead on Penang Hill over the last weekend. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : An animal welfare group is offering a RM20,000 reward for information leading to the arrests and prosecution of anyone involved in harming or killing stray cats, dogs and wildlife in Penang. The information must be 'direct and verifiable', the International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals Penang (IAPWA) said. 'This reward applies to real evidence only, not reposted or viral content, and there is no deadline. Whether the abuse happened recently, including cases at Penang Hill, or in the past, we want to hear from you,' the group said. The offer comes after Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) lodged a police report on Sunday over the discovery of several dead animals, believed to have been poisoned, at various locations on the hill. PHC general manager Cheok Lay Leng said the carcasses of seven dogs, three cats and five birds were found over the past few days in open areas and spotted by the public. 'We suspect the main targets are the stray dogs. There have been claims by hikers and visitors in recent weeks that they had been bitten by strays,' he told FMT. Penang veterinary services department director Dr Saira Banu Rejab said the department is investigating the deaths, having collected samples from the carcasses for analysis and to determine the cause of death. The deaths are believed to have occurred on July 5. Those with information on the case can contact the Penang Island City Council at 04-263-7000 or 04-263-7637, or send a message via WhatsApp at 016-200-4082, or get in touch with IAPWA via email at [email protected], and by WhatsApp at 010-388-3487.
Malay Mail
06-07-2025
- Malay Mail
Dead dogs, cats and birds found on Penang Hill as PHC lodges police report
GEORGE TOWN, July 7 — Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) has lodged a police report following the discovery of several dead animals—including dogs, cats and birds—at various locations across Penang Hill. According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), PHC general manager Cheok Lay Leng said the carcasses of seven dogs, three cats and five birds were found this morning, scattered in open areas and spotted by members of the public. 'There might be more. We are still looking. We found food spread along jeep track and a few locations,' he was quoted as saying. 'We suspect the main targets are the stray dogs. There have been claims by hikers and visitors in recent weeks that they were bitten by strays.' Cheok said PHC will also file formal complaints with the veterinary services department and the wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan) on Tuesday. The agency is also conducting its own internal investigation. Earlier today, Penang Hill posted on its official Facebook page that the animals were believed to have been poisoned. 'Using poison to eliminate stray animals is unacceptable and is punishable under the Penal Code (Act 574) and/or Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772) with imprisonment, a fine, or both,' the post stated.
Malay Mail
01-07-2025
- Malay Mail
Rising number of strays, animal bites alarming, says Miri City Council
MIRI, July 1 — Stray animals have long been a persistent problem and are a concern that is now reflected in the rising number of animal bite cases reported across the Miri division. According to Deputy Miri Mayor Ariffin Mohamad, the Miri Divisional Health Office recorded close to 800 animal bite cases throughout the Division up until April this year. He said these cases, which were reported by clinics, hospitals and medical centres, were subsequently submitted by the health office to the Miri City Council (MCC). 'Based on the health office's report, animal bite cases can involve both stray animals and pets with owners. Nevertheless, this is a serious matter especially in light of state-wide concerns about rabies,' he told reporters during a press briefing held after a full council meeting yesterday at the Miri City Hall here. Ariffin said MCC's enforcement team remains on standby to respond promptly to any reports of strays or unleashed pets that may pose a threat to the local community. Meanwhile, MCC councillor Tan Lek Jin, who was also present at the briefing, revealed that in the past two months alone he had received at least five complaints about stray animals intruding into private properties and causing disturbances to business owners. 'Stray animals have always been a challenging issue to resolve. These recent case have not only caused financial losses but also raised significant safety concerns,' he said, urging the public to report such incidents to the council. However, he noted that a surcharge would be applied for the removal of the stray animal from private property, with each dog costing about RM150 to capture. The Borneo Post spoke to a complainant, Ken Leong, who recently lodged a report about stray dogs creating a nuisance at his factory in Senadin. He said despite his repeated efforts to chase the dogs away, they continued to return and even gave birth to a litter of puppies on the premises. 'For two or three months now, they have been here, and the longer they stay, the more problems they created,' said Leong. He had given away the puppies but was unable to catch the adult dogs, making the situation more difficult to manage. Leong expressed hope that the council could step in to resolve the issue, however, upon learning about the surcharge, he could not help but sigh in frustration. 'I might just take the matter into my own hands by taking these dogs far away from here and drop them to prevent them from creating problem here. I have checked with the local animal shelter, they have their hands full, so I have no choice,' he said. — The Borneo Post
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Animal-rights protester runs onto field during Club World Cup match with anti-Morocco message
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — An animal-rights activist ran onto the field during a Club World Cup match between Manchester City and Wydad at Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday, urging Morocco to reform its treatment of stray animals. The man wore a shirt that read, 'Morocco, end the stray dog massacre,' and carried a sign that read, 'Morocco: stop shooting dogs and cats.' He ran for a few seconds before he was tackled by security workers and escorted out of the stadium. The protester's shirt and sign included the logo of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Wydad is based in Casablanca, Morocco. PETA has been critical of the Moroccan government for its treatment of stray cats and dogs. Morocco is among the hosts of the 2030 World Cup. The government has expanded a 'Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return' program for stray animals, but activists have claimed that animals are being killed rather than neutered. ___ AP soccer:
