KUCHING: Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have called for a ceasefire on the proposed catch-and-kill-strays initiative scheduled for April.
In a joint statement issued by the Humane Animal Society Sarawak (HASS), Save Our Strays (SOS), and Street Animal Rescuers Association Bintulu (SARA), and Zero Strays Miri, the NGOs express solidarity with Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, the royal patron of the Stray Free Selangor Campaign, and Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, patron of SPCA Selangor.
They stressed the urgent need for a radical review of outdated practices in managing stray populations in Sarawak.
“The inhumane capture and culling of strays implemented over five years ago in Sarawak have clearly proven to be ineffective, resulting instead in an increase in the stray population leading to a rise in rabies cases. This, in turn, impacts the community as a whole.
“Capturing strays and offering a bounty per dog is a low, barbaric game plan that contradicts all religious principles. It is time to address the root cause and promote a proof of concept on stray population management and rabies eradication,” the statement said.
Instead, the NGOs advocate for a proven and humane method of statewide neutering campaigns and vaccinations.
This approach, as previously endorsed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Asia for Animals (AFA) Sarawak Conference in October 2023, aims to effectively address stray population management and eradicate rabies.
The NGOs also called upon all stakeholders, including NGOs, the veterinary fraternity, the community, and government agencies, to unite on a common platform in solidarity to resolve this longstanding problem.
The joint statement outlined seven pillars of political and societal support:
- Streamline legislation and enforcement, such as extending Animal Welfare Act 2015 to Sarawak, and legislate punitive measures to criminalise animal abandonment, cruelty, and abuse.
- Empower more NGOs to intervene in cases of animal abuse, neglect, and cruelty. Establish a Task Force Committee with relevant NGOs, experienced rescuers, and feeders to assist local agencies in this mission.
- Set up a TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release) Task Force Committee. Local authorities must recognise the project, adhere to and respect the agreed terms and treatment of strays. Rogue officers who deviate from the SOPs must be visibly punished as a preventative measure.
- Engage the community to formulate a master plan for a low-cost neutering programme, involving a network of animal professionals, the veterinary fraternity, and animal groups to achieve a common vision.
- Foster collaborations among government agencies, NGOs, animal groups, and the veterinary fraternity to participate in mandatory neutering and vaccination campaigns.
- Establish a proper framework and interventions, and set up a mainframe database for a simple system of license registration linking dogs to owners rather than deterring the dog community with complex registration requirements.
- Define clear policies for pound facilities, including claims of lost and found dogs, rescues, and strays. Policies and SOPs must be definitive, evidence-based, and purposeful to ensure that the community understands their rights and obligations.
