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KLANG – The Royal City Council of Klang (MBDK) has maintained that its stray dog capture operation in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah on Thursday was carried out in accordance with the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the standards set by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), despite the operation turning chaotic after it was allegedly obstructed by an individual. The operation was conducted following complaints from residents regarding the threat posed by stray dogs and took into consideration an earlier incident in which a young motorcyclist was left in a coma for more than a week after crashing while being chased by a pack of stray dogs on 13 July. In a statement issued on Friday, MBDK said the operation, conducted from 8.30 p.m. until midnight, was carried out in accordance with By-Law 17(1) of the Dog Licensing and Dog Breeding Establishment By-Laws (MPK) 2007. According to MBDK, the operation involved one officer and 11 personnel from the MBDK Health Department, together with approximately 50 local residents. All captures were carried out using loop equipment that complies with KPKT standards to ensure the enforcement process was conducted safely while prioritising animal welfare. A total of 12 stray dogs were successfully captured during the operation. “However, during the operation at Jalan Sama Gagah 20, a group of individuals obstructed MBDK officers while they were attempting to capture a dog found roaming unsupervised on a public road. “One individual allegedly acted aggressively by attempting to cut the loop restraint with a knife and threatened to harm himself if the dog was not released,” the statement said. MBDK added that the struggle and commotion made it difficult for enforcement officers to safely loosen and remove the equipment for the welfare of the animal, ultimately resulting in the dog's death. “To prevent the situation from escalating further and to avoid injuries to any party, MBDK officers released the equipment,” it said. Following the incident, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) arrived at the scene to restore order. MBDK also lodged a police report regarding the alleged obstruction of public officers in the discharge of their duties and the alleged threat involving a sharp weapon for further legal action. The council reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out enforcement professionally, responsibly and in compliance with animal welfare standards. MBDK also urged all pet owners to act responsibly by ensuring their pets are properly licensed and are not allowed to roam freely in a manner that endangers public safety. The council said the investigation has been fully entrusted to the police, and appropriate action will be taken against any party found to have obstructed public officers from performing their official duties. Meanwhile, a resident who wished to be identified only as Ahmad, in his 40s, said the stray dog problem in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah has persisted for nearly two years, posing an ongoing threat to residents' safety. He said the most serious incident occurred on 13 July when a man in his 20s was left in a coma for more than a week after losing control of his motorcycle while being chased by about six stray dogs. “The victim was on his way home after buying food when he was chased for nearly 100 metres. He lost control while riding over a speed bump and fell, suffering severe head injuries. “As a result, he underwent surgery to remove a blood clot at Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) and is still receiving treatment,” he said. Ahmad added that the area had also recorded a case involving a child who was injured in an attack by stray dogs, prompting residents to lodge several complaints with MBDK and their elected representatives, urging immediate action. Commenting on the commotion during the operation, he claimed that the dog at the centre of the incident was believed to have an owner but had been allowed to roam freely, posing a danger to residents. “Most owned dogs are kept within their owners' compounds. I do not know why this dog was allowed to roam freely,” he said. |
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