Animal rights groups have condemned a competition that challenges Kuala Lumpur residents to nab hundreds of stray dogs, saying it is cruel and dangerous.

The Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) has offered RM39,000 in prize money to residents who catch the most dogs over the next six months, reports said today.

Animal protection groups said the money should be channelled towards promoting responsible pet ownership and de-sexing animals, and warned that other local councils could follow suit.

"We understand there is a big problem with stray dogs but (the) actions are distasteful and unhealthy," Christine Chin, of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), told the Star newspaper.

"We see MPS turning dog-catching into a fun, festive sport that is rewarding," she added. "This is wrong and the younger generation, especially, will learn from it."

Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim nation but dogs, which are considered unclean under Islam, are commonly kept as pets by the minority Chinese and Indian communities.

Council president Zainal Abidin Azim said they were forced to act after receiving 80 complaints about stray dogs each month.