Selangor considers banning pet shop sales to promote animal shelter adoptions

A potential ban on the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops across Selangor is being considered, as authorities aim to encourage adoption from animal shelters and reduce the number of abandoned pets. State executive councillor Ng Sze Han has suggested that pet stores focus on selling pet food instead, citing the success of a weekly pet adoption programme in his constituency, which sees approximately 20 pets adopted each month.

“If all local councils carry out such programmes, we can help reduce the pet abandonment rate,” Ng said at a forum on abandoned dogs. He also stated that the Selangor government has recommended that all local councils adopt the netting method for catching stray dogs, as it is more humane than the looping method. The netting method was an innovation by the Sabak Bernam District Council.

“The looping method can still be used when necessary, as it is allowed based on dog catching regulations set by the Ministry of Local Government Development. However, in Selangor, all local councils can use the netting method and the looping method based on the situation on the ground,” he said.

Ng also revealed that the state government is in the final stages of launching a Fur Shelter on a 1.2-hectare plot of land, aiming to promote pet adoption of both cats and dogs, as well as providing education and raising funds through various activities. “We need continuous awareness and education about stray animals. Some people don’t understand why a stray is returned to the same location after it is caught by the local council. In these cases, the dogs are spayed and then released,” he explained.

Although the exact location of the shelter has not been disclosed, it is said to be near the border of Subang Jaya and close to Cyberjaya. The Subang Jaya City Council recorded 1,000 public complaints about dogs by the end of May, while the Sabak Bernam District Council recorded 3,000 public complaints about dogs in 2022.