NGO pleads with MPAJ not to euthanise 5 stray dogs

PETALING JAYA: An NGO has appealed to the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) not to euthanise five stray dogs it captured in Ampang last Friday.

Selangor Furry Future Association president S Shashi Kumar said he had pleaded for the dogs to be handed over to the NGO, which is willing to house and care for them at its shelter in Semenyih.

However, he said the council insisted that the NGO pay RM5,000 to secure the release of the five dogs. He said MPAJ officers stated this was in line with council by-laws.

Shashi said MPAJ officers had warned him that the dogs would be euthanised if the payment is not made by tomorrow, and the council is unwilling to waive the fee.

“We are not asking MPAJ to bear the cost of caring for these dogs. We are prepared to take full responsibility, including vaccinating them, neutering them, and running blood tests – which will easily cost us about RM600,” he said.

“But as an NGO that survives entirely on donations and volunteers, coming up with RM5,000 is extremely difficult. We are begging MPAJ to show compassion and allow us to save these dogs from being put down.”

Animal welfare groups have long advocated for local councils to prioritise rehoming and collaboration with NGOs over euthanasia.

In 2024, housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming told the Dewan Rakyat that local councils only put stray dogs and cats to sleep as “a last resort” because the ministry prioritises adoptions or handing over stray dogs or cats to NGOs for relocation.

He added that local councils that fail to comply with the guidelines for disposing of stray animals under the Animal Welfare Act would be investigated and would also face disciplinary action.

FMT has reached out to MPAJ and an aide to Nga for comment.