A coalition of 25 NGOs submitted a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara today urging royal intervention over the “systematic and inhumane” killing of stray dogs by local authorities.
The memorandum, handed over today to a palace representative at Gate 3 of the palace, cites loopholes in the Animal Welfare Act 2015, a law the NGOs say is outdated and poorly enforced.
Speaking to reporters outside the palace, lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan said Sections 30 and 31 of the Act appear inconsistent on whether animals may be shot.
“This ambiguity has led to ongoing court cases, highlighting the need for Parliament to amend the Act,” he said.
The coalition’s recommendations include an immediate halt to culling; tougher penalties under stronger laws; more animal shelters; humane trap, neuter, vaccinate, return/rescue and manage programmes; and…