By Teoh Yee Shen
KUALA LANGAT, July 3 — The Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) will build a special shelter for stray dogs, to be completed next year with an allocation of RM1.9 million, following an increase in their population in the district.
MPKL member Ang Lee Yong said residents have expressed concern over the presence of the animals, especially after several dog bite cases were reported.
“To more effectively manage this issue, MPKL has allocated funds to build a one-acre shelter to control and care for stray dogs. It is set to be completed in 2026,” she told Media Selangor.
Ang added that the MPKL deployed officers to catch the stray dogs upon receiving complaints from residents, but that the animals are good at evading capture.
“Traditional capture methods could draw criticism from animal welfare groups if not done properly,” she said.
Ang said MPKL also implements a trap, neuter and release programme, but the process involves an initial assessment of each animal’s health and high costs, seeing as dogs have a high breeding rate, leading to complications in efforts to control stray dog populations.
She added that MPKL has suggested for dog cages to be distributed to residents’ associations to facilitate community-based captures.
During an MPKL meeting on June 26, four steps were mooted to manage the issue — expediting the shelter construction, implementing mandatory neutering programmes, boosting public education and awareness, and strengthening enforcement.
