KUALA LUMPUR: Animal welfare advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has warned that killing stray dogs offers a temporary solution and leads to an environment that lacks compassion within local communities.
Lee said killing stray dogs fails to tackle the underlying issues behind stray populations such as irresponsible pet ownership, lack of neutering programmes or abandonment and will be swiftly replaced by new strays without addressing these root causes.
In supporting Tengku Pemaisuri Selangor Tengku Pemaisuri Norashikin's call to construct shelters for strays in housing areas, Lee emphasised the importance of creating safer environments for both residents and animals.
"Of course, MBSA's (Shah Alam City Council) intention is firstly to create a safer environment for residents as it is a fact that some stray dogs could carry diseases that pose risks to public health.
"But stray dogs are part of our neighbourhoods.
"When we step up to help them, we create safer and more humane environments. Compassionate actions toward strays contribute to the overall wellbeing of our communities," he said.
He also highlighted the innovative methods employed in other countries such as Turkiye, India and the United States as examples of effective approaches to managing stray dog populations in an animal-friendly manner.
Lee urged the communities to get involved and suggested some residents offer temporary shelter while a long-term solution is being considered.
"Compassionate actions toward strays contribute to the overall wellbeing of communities.
"If residents in these areas can spend money, effort and time to keep their neighbours safe, surely they can also invest a little more to look after homeless animals in their areas, too," he added.
MBSA plans to capture 500 stray dogs and is offering volunteers RM30 for each dog caught from April 22 until 24.