In a statement on social media yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah urged the public to take care of animals “whether as a pet or in their own habitat”, adding that local government must find a holistic way to deal with strays so they don’t end up being locked up or killed.
Arie Dwi Andika, president of the Malaysia Animal Association, said that while he welcomed the comments, there now needs to be the requisite action from lawmakers in line with the Ruler’s message.
“At the moment, the bylaws allow for the capture or killing of strays in the effort to prevent diseases like rabies, even if it can’t be proven an animal is ill.”
He said the Sultan’s suggestion that Malaysia adopt a system similar to Turkey’s was a good one, as it allows for the humane management of stray animals.
“It is time for action. The way Turkey does it, where they capture, sterilise and release or rehome, is a compassionate way to manage the number of strays.
“If they want to see the issue of strays better controlled in 10 years’ time, they need to start now,” he added.
In Turkey, where rabies was once a serious issue that led to many dogs being killed, the government passed a law in 2004 requiring local governments to rehabilitate animals rather than kill them, with strays captured, treated and released after being spayed or neutered.
Local governments are also responsible for feeding them.
In 2018, it was reported that 1.2 million street animals were neutered and 1.5 million vaccinated in Turkey after the law was implemented.
Puspa Rani Thanabalasinagm, founder of Malaysia Independent Animal Rescue, said it was an apt comparison, noting that while Turkey is a secular country, it is still a Muslim majority country like Malaysia.
She said she was happy the Sultan had come out with this statement.
“All religions spread the message of compassion and love. Unfortunately, when it comes to these poor animals, especially dogs, this message seems to be lost and interpreted wrongly.”
Puspa Rani said besides amending the laws, there must be education programmes and initiatives to improve the public perception of strays and ensure pet owners are responsible so that animals don’t needlessly end up homeless.