Ipoh: Perak Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching today lodged a police report over the spread of baseless allegations on social media regarding the authorities' actions against stray dogs. The Teja state assemblyman also filed a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ng's actions were in response to a Facebook user's statement accusing the state government and the Ipoh City Council (MBI) of inhumane treatment of stray dogs. The allegations included severe accusations such as 'hands stained with blood' and 'buried alive', which Ng stated were unfounded and misleading.

Ng emphasized that the dissemination of false information, especially with emotionally charged language, can incite fear and anger among the public. Such misinformation tarnishes the reputation of civil servants and the animal welfare organisations involved. She stressed the importance of basing criticism on facts and offering practical solutions.

Addressing the complexity of the stray dog issue, Ng highlighted the need for cooperation between the government, local authorities, animal welfare organisations, and the community. She noted that over the past five months, the state government, in collaboration with the Friends of Pawsitive organisation, has facilitated the adoption or sheltering of captured dogs at a discounted fee.

Furthermore, Ng detailed the Perak Pawsitive Initiative programme, which includes sterilisation subsidies for 1,308 animals over three years, public awareness campaigns, and the development of a stray animal management system aimed at providing a sustainable solution.