IPOH: The public has been warned not to take action on their own to get rid of stray dogs, says Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.

       The Ipoh Mayor said people should instead call the Ipoh City Council (MBI) in regard to strays in their areas.

       "I was told that there were carcasses of stray dogs at Tasik Cermin Eco Park. When our workers went to the location, they spotted 12 carcasses before burying them.

       "If these carcasses are not buried properly and quickly, it may bring diseases to those nearby. We believed these dogs were poisoned," he told reporters at the MBI headquarters on Monday (Feb 28).

       On Sunday (Feb 27), about 20 stray dogs were found lifeless near the Tasik Cermin Eco Park.

       Pictures of the carcasses being removed by MBI’s workers have gone viral on several media platforms.

       Just weeks ago, eight dogs were found poisoned near a row of shop lots in Lahat Mines.

       In May last year, some 17 strays were found dead at the same site.

       There have been accusations that the dogs were poisoned by council workers.

       Rumaizi denied it was the work of the city council.

       "This is a misunderstanding. When our workers arrived there, the strays were already dead, so burying them is our responsibility," he said.

       He added that the city council has received several complaints regarding mass stray dogs killing.

       "This month alone, we have received multiple complaints involving five to 10 stray dogs which were found dead at a location.

       "I urged the public not to take action on their own in dealing with stray dogs," he said.