Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin said it was the responsibility of all parties to care for animals. (Selangor Royal Office Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: The Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, has called for procedures at animal shelters under the care of Selangor municipal councils to be revamped and updated.
She said there was a need for a more holistic approach to managing shelters after a video showing unsanitary conditions and emaciated dogs at the Kuala Langat Municipal Council’s (MPKL) dog pound went viral.
The royal patron for Stray Free Selangor (SFS) said in an Instagram post that it was sad to see the dogs being mistreated, neglected and unmanaged.
She suggested holding a campaign to create caring and compassionate communities to guarantee the welfare of strays and to reduce their numbers.
Among the issues that should be highlighted in the campaign is the need for more collaboration between the councils and the community.
She said the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and animal welfare groups should be allowed to visit these shelters.
The councils should seek the advice of the SPCA and animal welfare groups whenever there was a need, she added.
She also suggested the holding of a responsible pet ownership session between the councils and the community with the help of the SPCA.
She said the community too must play its part to care for animals.
On Wednesday, MPKL said it was reviewing the management of a dog pound under its supervision following criticism over its unhygienic conditions and unhealthy-looking dogs.
