IPOH: The dogs shot by Kampar District Council officers during a recent dog-catching operation were aggressive, says Council president Abdul Halim Saad.

       He said that the officers faced 16 aggressive dogs and added that the animals tried to attack the enforcement officers, who were trying to catch them alive.

       "In the tense situation and for the safety of the officers, several shots were fired; four dogs were killed, while the rest of the animals scattered.

       "We caught 24 stray animals alive and there were no puppies involved," he said in a statement on Friday (Nov 5).

       Keranji assemblyman Chong Zhemin and animal welfare non-governmental organisation Persatuan Pencinta Haiwan Jalanan Kampar have issued statements criticising the shooting incident that occurred near Taman Kampar Barat at 4am on Tuesday (Nov 2).

       Abdul Halim said they had tried to catch the dogs during the day but found it difficult as the animals were aware of the officers' presence and ran away.

       "The main focus was to identify and catch the aggressive stray dogs that posed a risk to the public.

       "We would like to stress that there were no instructions to allow the officers to shoot on a whim, except in an emergency," he said.

       Abdul Halim added that the shooting of strays was in line with a written permission by the state Veterinary Services Department dated July 9 last year.

       He said the operation was held following complaints by several parties, including Chong's office, that the stray dogs had attacked and bit residents near the area.

       "Chong's office made complaints on May 28 last year and May 20 this year on aggressive dogs in the area. We also like to clarify that there was no written policy by the council to neuter the stray animals as claimed by Chong," he said.

       "Discussions were held but there were no such decisions, as no parties were willing to absorb the high cost (of neutering)," added Abdul Halim.

       Abdul Halim said as for long-term planning, the council would review the root cause for the increase in the stray animal population, especially dogs.

       "We will look from the perspective of breeding, sales, ownership, licensing and pet abandonment.

       "We will also study the needs to tighten the terms to keep a dog in the future and holistic enforcement efforts against those who own and breed dogs without control and licence," he said.

       He added that he council urges all parties to cooperate to ensure all existing licensing laws were followed and to neuter pets in their care.

       "We always give space to collaborate with any private groups or individuals willing to help the council in controlling the stray population," he added.