THERE seems to be no end to the stray-dog menace in Ipoh, with Taman Botani being the latest area affected.
Stray dogs were also detected in Taman Seri Desa, Taman Pakatan Jaya, Laluan Pakatan Jaya 7, Taman Panorama Lapangan Perdana and Taman Pesara Bercham.
Stray dogs in Taman Botani are causing fear among residents.
The dogs move in a pack of 10 to 15 canines, toppling over dustbins to look for food and sleeping outside the gates of houses during the day.
Siti Norzakiah Ileh, 26, said her residential area was sometimes surrounded by more than 15 dogs at one time.
“I am scared to walk alone in the neighbourhood for fear of being attacked by the dogs.
“Even though the local authorities have taken action, this problem seems to have no end.
“Last year, the stray-dog issue in the neighbourhood was settled when the Ipoh City Council (MBI) captured them, but today, there are more dogs.”
A 25-year-old resident, who wished to be known only as Abdullah, said he pitied the children and the elderly because the dogs harassed them.
“Children should play outside but they can’t as their parents are afraid for their safety. Even though there has not been a case of dogs attacking residents, we hope the council will take action against these dogs.”
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An MBI spokesman said he was aware of the stray dogs in Taman Botani.
Last year, he said, MBI captured 3,000 stray dogs in Ipoh. A total of 1,846 dogs have been caught from January to last month.
“The problem of stray dogs in Taman Botani is prevalent despite MBI having sent dog catchers to the area.
“These stray dogs are not easy to catch. They can smell a dog catcher from afar, so they run away.
“We were also told that the stray dogs in Taman Botani were dumped there by residents from other areas.
“We understand that these stray dogs pose health and safety risks to people.
“We will have another
operation to catch them soon.”