Stray dogs may become stars of local tourism, NGO says
They said the dogs could also be trained to be used in rescue operations and enforcement tasks.
PORT DICKSON - A non-governmental organisation (NGO) has proposed that stray dogs captured should be vaccinated before being incorporated into tourism strategies, similar to the Cat Paradise attraction in Batu Feringghi, Penang.
Negeri Sembilan Allied Generation Federation chairman Syed Ariffin Abu Thahir said the animals could also be trained to be used in rescue operations and enforcement tasks.
"Port Dickson, as a tourism town, could be expanded beyond just its attractive beaches to include new attractions like a stray dog shelter centre.
"Training these stray dogs would also help local authorities or other agencies save costs, as they would no longer need to import dogs from abroad for rescue or enforcement purposes," he said during a memorandum handover session to the Port Dickson Municipal Council (MPPD) on Friday, urging for a comprehensive solution to address the issue of stray animals, particularly dogs.
He said new cases involving stray dogs were reported almost daily, yet there has been no absolute resolution to the issue.
"Stray dogs not only pose a threat to public safety but also disturb other pets like cats and chickens.
"We are aware that MPPD conducts stray dog catching operations, but holding them once or twice a year is insufficient to address a major issue deemed as tarnishing Port Dickson’s reputation as a tourist destination, especially ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026," he said.
He urged for such operations to be carried out more frequently, at least once a month, with the cooperation of NGOs and animal lovers’ groups, by placing captured stray dogs in designated animal care shelters.
"We can take inspiration from the Stay Free Selangor programme, where the state government works with animal welfare NGOs on sterilisation, placement, and public education efforts.
"A similar approach has also been adopted in Kedah and Penang," he added.
Additionally, he said the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme should be implemented as it is an effective initiative to control the stray dog population.
"An adoption programme should also be opened to the public, ensuring these dogs have caretakers who will ensure they are vaccinated and safe.
"Community education must continue, particularly on how to interact with stray dogs, the dangers of abandoning pets and the prohibition against feeding strays as it contributes to population growth," he said.
He stressed that a comprehensive solution to the stray dog problem in the district must be carried out responsibly, humanely and in compliance with local laws.
He said that all parties including MPPD, the Malaysia Independent Animal Rescue (MIAR), the Wildlife Department (Perhilitan), local councillors, state assemblymen, NGOs, animal lovers’ groups and volunteers - must be involved in order to implement a holistic action plan and bring the issue to an end.
Regarding the suggestion by Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun to cull stray dogs in Malay-majority areas, he opined that such a move would not fully resolve the issue.
“This is because the stray dog problem is not static or confined to any one area and dog attacks are a problem experienced by all communities.
“Eliminating stray dogs in Malay areas would simply cause the animals to migrate to other habitats, further displacing the problem rather than solving it,” he said.
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