Pet Cats to be Licensed?

Klang: The state may require pet owners to apply for cat licences as too many stray felines are now roaming the streets.

"We are looking into the possibility for cats to be licensed, like dogs," said Selangor executive councillor Dr Xavier Jayakumar.

This was because local councils and the veterinary department have received complaints of stray cats raiding trash-bins and even entering kitchen looking for food, said Dr Xavier at a pet owners' forum at the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) on Saturday.

The state is also standardising the application process and fees for pet licenses across all local councils, he added.

He urged pet owners to be more responsible by spaying and neutering their pets. Owners should also not abandon their pets.

"I've seen people abandoning their dogs, by letting them out of the car and then driving off," he added. Pets left to roam free might pose a danger to residents because of rabies and other diseases.

Dr Xavier said some pet owners were also ignoring council bylaws that prohibited the keeping of dogs or cats in strata property.

"If your pets are caught, please don't try to appeal against us taking action. We can't make exceptions," said the Sri Andalas assembly person.

Dr Xavier also announced that the state has plans to use a four-hectare plot of land to set up a centralised dog and cat pound. He did not disclose the location.

The pound will also be a "one-stop" educational centre for youngsters on how to be responsible pet oners.

On moves to implement electronic tagging of pets, Dr Xavier said the Selayang Municipal Council had voluntarily pioneered this initiative.

Pet owners can either get their pets tagged by the veterinary department or have it done by private veterinarians. Those who do so will receive a rebate on pet licence fees, said Dr Xavier. 

By Alvin Yap

Selangor Times

February 25-27, 2011 Issue 13