Statement from Noah’s Ark Ipoh (NAI) on Dog Poisoning along Jalan Lahat Bistari 1, Lahat
Regular readers of this blog know that we advocate the adoption of pets, rather than buying them. This is why we try to alert readers when there are pet adoption drives by local animal welfare organisations, such as the Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and Noah’s Ark Ipoh (NAI).
The reason we support adoption is that there are many furkids in shelters and on the streets that are looking for forever homes. Why not open your heart and home to them, rather than just focus on pedigree puppies?
Therefore, we were distressed when we heard from NAI that someone reported to them on 31st January, 2020 about the poisoning of stray dogs in the area of Jalan Lahat Bistari 1 in Lahat, Perak. In this poisoning incident, 6 dogs and 1 cat died. The 7th dog was rescued and taken to the veterinarian for treatment.
Statement from NAI:
We were informed by a resident that stray dogs appeared around 2 years ago. This situation was reported to the Ipoh City Council. A few months ago, the neighbourhood discussed with an NGO and the strays were removed. Unfortunately, a new batch of dogs appeared within weeks. Again, a complaint was lodged with the Ipoh City Council. Although the residents are not happy with the stray situation and the action of feeders who feed these poor hungry dogs, they denied that they are part of this poisoning.
On 2nd February, the residents were invited by NAI to talk about solutions to resolve the situation of strays in the area, as feeders, rescuers and animal advocates are very distressed about the senseless and cruel killings of these animals which through no fault of their own are caught in the middle of fight between man and animals.
NAI feels that the strays caught and relocated to the Papan dumpsite is not a resolution as these dogs are seen walking along the Lumut highway. Some get hit by cars and perished, while some made it to Batu Gajah. Some others end up in Jelapang, or a residential area such as Jalan Lahat Bistari 1 in Lahat.
NAI believes that this relocation is ineffective and a more workable solution would be to fence up the Papan dumpsite, should dogs be caught and sent there. Feeders can also go there to feed. NAI, understanding that action has to be taken by the Council when there are complaints by rate payers, also thinks that the money spent on catching the dogs are better spent on fencing the Papan dumpsite or in Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) programmes.
As witnessed, catching the dogs and dumping them has made little difference to population control. The best long-term solution is still in creating public awareness on responsible pet ownership.
NAI wishes there is a piece of land that can be used as a shelter, as suggested by the Menteri Besar’s Office. In the meantime, NAI is appealing to the public not to hurt these strays. The poisoning of these dogs is very cruel and we as a nation of compassionate people should spare a thought for our four-legged companions which through no fault of their own are being targeted for just existing. They die a painful death. When poisoned food is left on the streets for these dogs, the cats and other small animals also perish.
Street dogs, when managed well, are community dogs. The need to feed and reproduce is taken away when they are neutered and fed by feeders. They are not nuisance dogs. In fact, most protect their area from strangers. Let’s all do our part to keep this animal community safe.
