Johor wants to give stray dogs a better shot at life, Netherlands-style

PASIR GUDANG, Aug 13 — The Johor government is set to implement the Netherlands' successful strategy for managing stray dogs, involving sterilisation, shelter care, and adoption. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor revealed that the state government will collaborate with NGOs to control the stray dog and cat population.

“Similar to the Netherlands, the strategy involves spaying stray dogs to prevent unwanted litters and ensuring their welfare, including proper nutrition,” he stated to reporters following a visit to the Johor Smart City Forum 2026. The plan includes neutering the dogs and placing them in a shelter before considering adoption. Currently, only the Johor Bahru City Council maintains a shelter for stray dogs.

Mohd Jafni intends to visit the shelter in September to assess its readiness. His initiative stems from suggestions from animal enthusiasts during a previous campaign, highlighting the need for a long-term approach that integrates animal welfare with shelter care and adoption support. The Netherlands, renowned for its effective stray dog management, credits its success to legislation and subsidised sterilisation programmes. However, free-roaming and feral cat populations remain a persistent concern in the country.