KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) calls for support in its memorandum to curb overpopulation of stray animals.

Its chairman Christine Chin said the current “Catch and Kill” method used by local authorities is inhumane and ineffective.

“It only rewards the dog catchers hired by municipal councils,” she said.

“The method is futile because new strays will eventually populate the cleared area and continue to breed. It is a never-ending cycle.”

In a memorandum, the organisation suggested a more “humane, effective, sustainable and socially-accepted” approach called Trap, Neuter, Release, Manage. 

“Stray animals should be trapped and brought to SPCA to be neutered. This is important so the strays’ population will not increase. After that, we will release them back to a hopefully caring community,” she said.

SPCA patron Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said a paradigm shift was needed in order to work towards a stray-free nation.

“Stray animals are living proof of human failure — failure of local authorities and pet owners,” he said.

“We want to work closely with municipal councils and relevant authorities to enforce responsible pet ownership principles.”

Lee said a new Bill regarding animal welfare would be discussed in Parliament tomorrow and he urged members of parliament to support the cause.