Recently, the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) unveiled plans for a task force aimed at capturing stray dogs, citing approximately 445 complaints of community disturbances since January this year.

This task force is set to comprise eight volunteers from each Shah Alam Residents Representative Council (MPP), with volunteers receiving RM30 for each stray dog captured during the period from April 22 to April 24, between 8pm and 11pm. Their goal is to capture an estimated 500 stray dogs.

While assurances have been made regarding the welfare of the captured strays, Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, has voiced Her Highness's disapproval of such a task force.

In a statement shared on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page on behalf of Her Highness, it was expressed, "I am saddened and disappointed by the latest developments regarding the operation to capture stray dogs in Selangor. I have repeatedly expressed my strong disagreement with the 'capture and kill' approach to be undertaken by any local authority, including that of the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA)."

"I believe there are numerous alternative methods that can be employed to address this issue, including neutering. As the Royal Patron of the Stray Free Selangor (SFS) campaign under the Selangor SPCA, I urge local authorities to devise a new, more comprehensive approach to managing these stray dogs."

Her Highness highlighted various suggestions to reduce the number of stray dogs, including the establishment of animal shelters in housing areas with the support of animal-loving residents, the requirement for housing developers to construct and provide such shelters, as well as sterilization and neutering programs.

Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin also urged authorities to review the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for capturing and disposing of stray dogs by local councils.

"I sincerely hope that efforts to ensure the welfare of these stray animals will persist and not be abandoned," added Her Highness.

We also earnestly hope that MBSA will reconsider their approach with the task force and explore more compassionate ways to address this issue.