KUALA LUMPUR – Do not pin the blame on the Kuala Langat Municipal Council over malnourished dogs in its pound, said two animal lovers who recently rescued all 94 dogs from the local authority.
Independent rescuers Belinda Yeap and Peter Hoo have urged the public to not accuse the local council of ill-treating the dogs that were in its care.
They told The Vibes that the council staffers were helpful when the retired couple went to pick up the dogs for relocation, despite the public backlash after a TikTok video depicting the canine’s condition went viral.
“Please do not be keyboard warriors. To be honest, we go to dog pounds all the time, and almost all the dogs housed there look malnourished. But there are a lot of diseases in dog pounds, and it may result in the dogs not being interested in their food,” said Hoo.
He added that the council staffers had waived the fees for the release of the dogs and had worked overtime to help load the animals onto a lorry.
“We approached the staff around 11am Tuesday (January 10), and discussed the arrangements for the release of the dogs until about 2pm.
“When we returned to the pound at about 9.30pm, there were at least 8 to 15 staff members working overtime to help us load the dogs onto the lorry. They also fumigated the pound.”
He said by the time they reached the shelter in a temple in Johor, 14 dogs did not make it.
“Mr Padmarajan, who is in charge of the temple shelter in Johor, did a cremation ceremony for the pooches.”
Meanwhile, Hoo said the other dogs are recuperating and have gotten their medical checkups as well as immunity boosters.
“We have arranged for a veterinarian to check on the dogs tomorrow.”
He added that the dogs cannot be adopted until they have recovered, spayed, and neutered but has a potential list of adoptees already.
“For those who are concerned, you can come over to donate or help with the dogs. Funds are needed for medication. Please do not hesitate to donate as the fund will only be used for the dogs.”
Those who are interested in donating, Hoo can be reached at 019-339 3660.
However, the Veterinary Services Department has confirmed that Kuala Langat Municipal Council did not adhere to animal welfare regulations when caring for stray dogs at its shelter. – The Vibes, January 16, 2023
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