Klang mayor backs dog capture team following fatal incident

SHAH ALAM - Royal Klang City Council (MBDK) Mayor Hamid Hussain has defended the council's handling of a stray dog capture operation that ended in the death of a dog named Rocky, insisting enforcement officers complied fully with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

Hamid said officers used ministry-approved loop equipment during the operation but declined to comment on allegations that the dog had been beaten, citing ongoing police investigations.

He said the operation was carried out following repeated complaints from residents and students who claimed they had been harassed and chased by free-roaming dogs in the area.

“There were victims who suffered serious injuries, which prompted us to conduct the operation together with residents to capture stray dogs in the area,” he told reporters at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly building today.

Responding to the July 29 incident in Port Klang, Hamid said the council's enforcement team encountered resistance from Rocky's alleged owner during the operation.

According to the council, the individual attempted to cut the restraint loop with a sharp object and threatened self-harm unless the dog was released.

The council said the ensuing commotion prevented officers from safely removing the restraint, ultimately resulting in the dog's death.

Hamid said residents had been notified in advance of the enforcement operation. He also acknowledged the council's broader operational challenges, including manpower shortages and difficulties in appointing private contractors to assist with stray animal management.

With investigations now underway by the police, the Selangor Veterinary Services Department and the Housing and Local Government Ministry, Hamid said the council would await the outcome before deciding on any further action.

“Since the police are investigating the matter, we will leave it to them to complete their probe before any further action is taken based on their findings,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Selangor government announced a comprehensive review of stray animal management procedures across all local authorities to ensure future enforcement operations are conducted safely, effectively and humanely.