Facility In Sepang Soon For Better Treatment of Animals

PETALING JAYA: An environment-friendly pound for better treatment of stray dogs and other pets, is in the offing in Sepang, Selangor. This facility will double-up as an education centre on various types of animals.

This was announced today by the Selangor exco for health, poverty, caring society and plantation workers, Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar when he launched a workshop themed "Management of strays and how to keep pets", at the Subang Jaya Municipal Council in USJ5.

He said the pound, when ready, will serve a variety of purposes, from meeting the local councils’ needs to providing information on animals and how to keep pets.

The building, to be sited on at least two hectares, will have "green" features such as facilities that utilise sunlight and rain harvesting.

There will be veterinary officers and animal assistants to educate the public and animal lovers on how to deal with strays, and even cattle.

“With this facility, the local authorities in the state will have a centre to address problems related to pets and strays, while school children and animal lovers will also greatly benefit from it in that it offers education," said Dr Xavier, adding that plans for this project had been presented to him by consultants.

"This facility is for people to walk in and seek help and information concerning animals."

Asked when the facility will be ready, he replied: "Very soon."

The one-day workshop was attended by representatives of non-governmental organisations and local councils, and the participants discussed various aspects of animal care and education, including exotic species as pets.

"The workshop will come up with guidelines to be tabled at the Selangor Economic Action Council and the best recommendations will be standardised and adopted by the local councils to strengthen regulations in the state, encompassing everything about animals," said Dr Xavier.

He also said the guidelines will address matters like cruelty to animals and increasing the penalties for such offences.

“All mechanisms, including tagging of pets, will be enforced once the guidelines are ready,” he said.