Melaka to consider proposals on humane approach for handling strays, says exco

MELAKA: The Melaka government has started looking into proposals from animal rights groups for a humane approach in the management of strays in the state, says Datuk Rais Yasin.

The Melaka Housing and Local Government, Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee chairman said the state government is studying various proposals submitted by animal welfare organisations with regards to managing the street animal population.

“We have received working papers from these animal activists on how to effectively handle homeless animals in the state,” said Rais.

“Presently, we have received solid proposals on how to care for the stray dog population and we are waiting for the same suggestions on feral cats,” he added after launching a National Day programme at a supermarket dedicated to cats at Taman Paya Rumput here on Monday (Aug 28).

The event at the Cat Supermarket was also attended by its CEO Datuk Chew Chert Fong and representatives from local non-governmental organisations.

Rais said the state government is serious in taking care of the welfare of the strays and encouraged proper handling of these homeless animals, especially dogs.

He said the state government would work closely with all stakeholders to look into a holistic solution to these strays.

Rais said he was also impressed with the Cat Supermarket which is the largest in the country and has a pharmacy for felines.

“The supermarket also provided employment to the locals,” he said.

Separately, Rais said the decision of turning the 2.4km stretch in Bandar Hilir, which was a tourist destination, into a vehicle-free zone on Saturdays had elicited positive feedback from various quarters.

He said the state government would still continue to garner feedbacks to decide whether to continue the dry run which began on Aug 19 where Jalan Istana, Jalan Mahkamah, Jalan Gereja, Lorong Gereja, Jalan Laksamana as well as parts of Jalan Tun Khalil Yaakob and Jalan Merdeka are closed between 6pm to midnight.

The decision to turn Bandar Hilir into a car-free zone was first mooted by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh in May but initially received brickbats from traders in the vicinity.