Stray dog handover incentive permissible under Islamic law, says Mufti

SEREMBAN - Financial incentives offered under the Seremban City Council's (MBS) Stray Dog Voluntary Handover Incentive Programme 2026 are permissible under Islamic law, provided they are considered payment for the effort involved rather than for the animals themselves.

Negeri Sembilan Mufti Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Faudzinaim Badarudin said there was no issue with MBS implementing the programme, which is scheduled to begin on Aug 24.

“Receiving a fee for this service is permissible because it is remuneration paid for the effort or work performed, rather than payment for the dog itself,” he told Sinar Harian on Saturday.

Mohd Faudzinaim said Islam also permits the capture of stray dogs when their numbers or behaviour pose a threat to the community.

However, he stressed that the animals must be treated humanely, as Islam prohibits abuse, torture or cruelty during the capture process.

“It must be carried out with compassion. If a stray dog poses a genuine danger to humans, such as being rabid or excessively aggressive to the point of attacking people, Islam allows it to be humanely put down,” he said.

He stressed that euthanasia should only be considered as a last resort when there are no other means of rehabilitating the animal.

“Any such action must be carried out with mercy (ihsan) without inflicting suffering.

“This step is meant to safeguard the public interest by removing harm or danger caused by aggressive or diseased stray dogs,” he said.