Over 80,000 stray dogs caught nationwide last year

KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 80,412 stray dogs were caught by local authorities (PBT) nationwide through 24,195 operations last year.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said 45,804 complaints related to disturbances caused by stray dogs were also received by local authorities during the same period, indicating that the issue remained a public safety concern.

He said enforcement measures against stray dogs had been stepped up following a recent incident involving an attack on a child by five stray dogs.

"The police have opened two investigation papers following the incident, one under Section 289 of the Penal Code for negligence involving animals and another under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for child neglect," he said in a written parliamentary reply.

Earlier, Tumpat MP Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN) asked the ministry to outline the action taken against animal owners whose pets caused serious injuries to members of the public, as well as immediate measures and long-term strategies to address the growing stray dog population, which threatens public safety, particularly in residential areas and schools.

Nga said the ministry had issued a directive to local authorities nationwide through a letter dated Sept 9, instructing them to continuously strengthen measures to control stray dogs.

"The measures prioritise high-risk hotspots identified based on public complaints and incident records, including residential areas, schools and public gathering places.

"Of the 80,412 dogs caught, a total of 22,228 were recorded as having been handed over to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), reclaimed by their owners or adopted through dog adoption programmes," he said.

Apart from regular capture operations, the Teluk Intan MP said local authorities also conducted inspections on dog ownership and licensing in residential areas to ensure owners complied with the prevailing dog licensing by-laws.

On enforcement, Nga said dog owners could be fined if their pets chased, attacked or bit anyone, regardless of whether injuries were caused.

"Owners are also responsible for compensating victims for injuries caused by their dogs, while local authorities may capture and put down dogs involved in biting incidents.

"For dogs found roaming without supervision or without a licence, local authorities may take action to capture them. If the dogs are reclaimed, their owners may be fined and required to pay related charges, as well as obtain a licence if they do not already have one.

"Negligence in controlling animals that results in danger or injury to members of the public may also be investigated under Section 289 of the Penal Code," he said.

On long-term strategies, he said the ministry, through the Local Government Department (JKT), was focusing on preventive measures to curb the growing stray dog population by improving licensing compliance, promoting responsible pet ownership, sterilisation, microchipping, adoption and community involvement.

"The ministry has also been implementing the Stray Animal Management Campaign with local authorities since 2024 to raise public awareness and promote responsible pet ownership, particularly to prevent the abandonment and neglect of pet dogs, which could contribute to the growing stray animal population," he said.