Civil society alliance submits memorandum to end stray killings

A coalition of 19 civil society groups urges the PMO to end stray animal killings and reform Malaysia’s outdated animal welfare policies.

A coalition of 19 civil society organisations submitted a joint memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office this week, calling for an immediate halt to what they described as systematic killings of stray animals across Malaysia. The unprecedented alliance — which includes animal rights defenders, legal reform groups, human rights advocates, and grassroots community activists — is demanding sweeping changes in national stray control policies and the enforcement of animal welfare laws.

Their memorandum outlines urgent recommendations, including a total stop to stray animal killings by local councils, the formation of an independent board to oversee enforcement, and reforms to the Animal Welfare Act 2015. The coalition argues that despite its original intention to protect animals, the Act has instead enabled unchecked cruelty by local authorities — often resulting in brutal and inhumane methods such as poisoning and shooting of strays.

Leading the group was Global Human Rights Federation president S. Shashi Kumar, who described Malaysia’s approach to stray management as “internationally shameful.”

“Mass cullings do not work. They make us look bad on the global stage,” he said after handing over the memorandum.

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Recent incidents, including the widely reported killing of 30 dogs in Ipoh, have intensified public scrutiny and outrage. The NGOs claim this is not an isolated case, but part of a broader national failure in enforcing humane and accountable policies.

Call for humane alternatives

One of the coalition’s central demands is for the government to transition away from lethal control methods and adopt science-based alternatives such as the Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (TNRM) programme, which has shown success in other countries. They also want greater transparency on how local councils utilise public funds for animal control, which they say currently lacks public oversight.

The coalition stressed the importance of involving licensed veterinarians, animal welfare professionals, and local communities in developing long-term solutions. They argue that genuine reform must include all stakeholders to ensure effectiveness, fairness, and sustainability.

The proposed independent board would have the authority to investigate complaints, regulate local council actions, and establish minimum standards for humane treatment. This, they believe, would reduce abuses and restore public confidence in animal-related governance.

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Coalition urges moral shift in governance

Public frustration has been mounting for years, but recent viral cases — such as the death of Kopi, a well-known community dog, and disturbing videos of council-led dog captures — have galvanised widespread attention. Candlelight vigils, online campaigns, and student-led protests have emerged nationwide, signalling a shift in how Malaysians view animal welfare and public accountability.

The coalition’s campaign frames stray animal killings not merely as an issue of compassion but as a symptom of deeper systemic issues — from outdated policies and weak legal protections to misuse of power by authorities. The memorandum submission is not just a call to end cruelty, but a plea to realign Malaysia’s moral compass and adopt policies that reflect empathy, rule of law, and international standards of governance.

As momentum builds, the coalition is urging the federal government to act swiftly and decisively. Their message is clear: the time for piecemeal action has passed — what’s needed now is political will, legal reform, and a national policy rooted in compassion and justice.

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Jimmy Tan

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