Malaysians Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive) believes that the Shah Alam City Council's (MBSA) unwanted pets programme 'Jom Serah Haiwan' was not well-thought out.

Its president Anthony Thanasayan said the programme could have long-term adverse effects.

The MBSA's 'Jom Serah Haiwan' programme is meant to take in pet cats and dogs that their owners no longer want, as part of an effort by the council to curb the dumping of unwanted pets.

"I am not saying they are being deliberately cruel, it is just that they did not think things through," he said to Malaysiakini today.

He believes that this programme would unwittingly encourage irresponsible pet ownership as it is telling people that they can disown their pets with little consequence.

"They are saying to you, literally, if you are not happy with your dog, just give them (to the city council).

"You are teaching people to disown animals, rather than teaching people to understand their animals or send them for training," he said.

He pointed out that the council charges people for licenses to own pets, so they should use those funds to give back to the pet owners.

"Are they building parks for people to walk their pets or having awareness programs?

"Why are they not having awareness programs for animals (geared towards pet owners)?" he questioned.

It would be far more beneficial for the council to start an education and awareness campaign, he said, by teaching pet owners to be responsible and how to take care of their pets.

It was previously reported that the program was in partnership with an unidentified NGO and that the council could not provide more details about what will happen to the animals they receive.

The program was criticised by other animal rights groups for not being transparent enough.