Animal rights group slams bounty scheme for capture of stray dogs

An animal rights group is calling on the Seremban City Council (MBS) to scrap a program that pays residents RM50 for adult stray dogs and RM25 for puppies turned in. Rajesh Nagarajan and Sachpreetraj Singh from Lawyers for Animal Rights argue the scheme risks putting the public in harm's way while failing to protect the animals.

The lawyers contend animal capture is a dangerous job that requires trained professionals, not untrained volunteers. MBS's form, Borang SA-02, demands surrenderers take responsibility for any harm that may occur during capture. The group is also worried unlicensed dogs could be surrendered without proof of ownership, as the scheme relies solely on applicants' claims of ownership.

They caution the bounty could even encourage the theft of pets and dumping them as strays for cash. Where is MBS ensuring surrendered dogs are properly identified and handled? They ask for transparency about the council's authority, budget, and procedures for the dogs' future treatment. The lawyers urge Negeri Sembilan's veterinary services department and the housing and local government ministry to investigate MBS and uncover why a risky animal-capture operation was outsourced to the public.

Malaysia recently saw the tragic outcome of such a program with the death of a pet dog named Rocky in Port Klang on August 3. The message is clear: animal capture must become more professional and humane, not a cash incentive.