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

PASIR GUDANG, Aug 13 — The Johor government aims to emulate the Netherlands' successful methodology for handling stray animals. This includes sterilisation, shelter care, and adoption programs. Johor's Housing and Local Government Committee chairman, Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, announced that the state would collaborate with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to tackle the stray dog and cat population.

"In the Netherlands, the authorities spay the animals to prevent unwanted litters and ensure their welfare with proper nutrition," he explained. The plan is to house these stray dogs in designated shelters rather than leaving them neglected and starving. Upon neutering and proper care, these dogs would be available for adoption.

Currently, only Johor Bahru City Council maintains a stray dog shelter in the district. The council feeds, treats, and cares for the dogs before offering them for adoption. Jafni plans to visit the shelter in September, as it is reported to be nearly ready. The Johor government expressed willingness to cooperate with relevant organisations in implementing this approach.

Inspired by interactions with animal lovers during a past campaign, the government is considering a more structured strategy for managing stray dogs and cats, integrating animal welfare initiatives with shelter care and adoption support. The Netherlands is renowned for its effective stray dog management, credited with eliminating stray dogs from its streets through legislation and subsidised sterilisation programmes.

However, free-roaming and feral cats continue to pose ongoing welfare and ecological challenges in the Netherlands.