Stray killing: Respect parliamentary laws, ex-PM tells local councils

PARLIAMENT | Former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob berated local councils for what he describes as the “indiscriminate killing” of stray animals and urged them to adhere to the Animal Welfare Act 2015.

He also reminded local governments parliamentary laws supersede by-laws, which were often invoked to cull or remove stray animals.

“What we’re seeing now is many local councils, invoking their by-laws to kill or shoot stray animals.

“Since the Animal Welfare Act was passed, it restricts councils from taking such actions that harm animals,” he said during the Supply Bill 2025 committee stage debate.

“We hope the councils will not use these by-laws as an excuse to kill animals without permission from the Veterinary Services Department (DVS),” he added.

On Nov 12, about 100 people delivered a memorandum at Parliament demanding justice for stray animals.

Ismail was one of the MPs who went to receive the memorandum from the group.

This comes after the New Straits Times reported the Terengganu DVS received multiple public inquiries on Oct 13 about a viral video alleging that a local council representative had shot a dog called Kopi.

The department said the case was being investigated under the Animal Welfare Act.

On Nov 8, NST also reported a former Manjung council member revealing that dozens of dog carcasses, along with live puppies, were left in a pit after allegedly being captured and shot by local authority officers in Sitiawan.

Khairil Azhar Khairuddin uploaded several videos showing shocking images of the dogs, some still wearing collars, left trapped in a roughly four-foot-deep hole at a garbage disposal site.

Earlier today, Global Human Rights Federation president S Sashi Kumar accused Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming of trying to undermine animal rights abuses in the country.

Review Animal Welfare Act

Ismail urged local councils to practise a more controlled and compassionate approach when dealing with strays, in addition to exercising their powers responsibly.

The Bera MP also called for a review of the Animal Welfare Act to enhance its effectiveness and address any loopholes.

“There are suggestions to review the Animal Welfare Act, and if necessary, I hope the government can amend it,” he said, emphasising the revision should strengthen protections and prevent further misuse of by-laws to justify the killing of stray animals.

If the DVS was having constraints in enforcing the said act, the former Umno vice-president urged the government to establish a special committee to monitor animal abuse cases or entrust another enforcement agency with these responsibilities.

A specialised committee, he argued, could ensure continuous oversight and prevent incidents of cruelty.

Work with NGOs

Beyond law enforcement, Ismail highlighted the importance of collaboration between local authorities and animal shelters operated by NGOs.

“Many NGOs provide shelter for stray animals, so I hope local councils will work with these organisations to offer protection and shelter to stray animals,” he said, adding such collaboration would lead to more humane handling of strays, allowing animals to receive care without resorting to harsh measures.

“These animals roam because they have no home; they rummage through trash because they are hungry.

“They do this because they have no choice. Therefore, it is our duty to ensure their welfare,” Ismail added.

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