A municipal council's maverick measure in dealing with stray dogs has elicited howls of protest from animal rights groups.

The Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) decided to rope in untrained civilians to help cut down on the number of stray dogs by organising a competition.

The competition is open to residents of Selayang and a RM15,000 cash prize awaits the team that manages to catch more than 150 dogs in a span of six months.

According to the MPS website, the council will supply dog catching equipment to each team and the dogs have to be brought to the council alive.

The rules stipulate that licensed dogs are not allowed to be captured.

Not a sport

However, Malaysian Animal Rights and Welfare Society (Roar) pro-tem president N Surendran is not impressed.

Contacted today, he stressed that dog catching activities must not be encouraged as a sport.

"This is not a game. Efforts to reduce stray dog population must take into consideration the rights and welfare of the animals," he said.

Surendran, a practising lawyer, also believes that such a competition contravenes the Animal Act 1953 which makes cruelty to animals an illegal act.

"Untrained dog catchers will almost certainly inflict hurt on the animals... moreover, after they are captured, will the dogs be fed and housed properly?" he asked.

According to him, a long-term solution would be to educate responsible pet ownership and encourage spaying.

Another NGO, Furry Friends has reportedly suggested that MPS use the prize money to employ professional dog catchers instead of relying on untrained civilians.

Apply for license

Meanwhile, a MPS officer involved in the competition told malaysiakini that the council will supply "loops and nets" for those taking part in the competition.

Dogs that are brought back to the council will be kept for two weeks before being put to sleep.

"There is a grace period for some irresponsible dog owners who did not apply for a license to come claim their pets," explained the officer who declined to be named.

MPS councillor Yip Jiun Hann, when contacted, said the competition is the result of numerous complaints regarding stray dogs in the area.

He urged pet owners to apply for dog licenses which cost only a mere RM10.

"If their pets are caught (as a result of the competition), the owner can bring action against the person under existing laws," said Yip.