PETALING Jaya lawmaker Lee Chean Chung said it is time for local authorities to review its stray animal’s management in the wake of an alleged assault of an elderly man by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) officers during a dog-capturing operation last week.

The man is expected to be charged in court tomorrow under section 186 of the penal code, with obstructing a civil servant in discharging his duty.

Voicing deep concern over the incident, Lee is calling for a whole-of-society approach in formulating new approaches “so that pet lovers, animal right activists, local authorities and relevant agencies and individuals could contribute in meaningful ways to create a more inclusive and civilised spaces for human beings as well as animals in Petaling Jaya”.

In a statement, Lee said if video footage shared online of the incident is true, then the incident has exposed the flaws in the procedures adopted by MBPJ in stray animal management.

The man, who was within his property, showed no violence during MBPJ’s dog-capturing operation.

“Clearly, this incident has exposed the flaws in the procedures adopted by MBPJ in stray animal management. It is unfortunate that enforcement operations supposedly protecting citizens have ended up in a senior citizen being hurt and now facing a obstruction charge tomorrow.

“The public authority should show consideration, high level of professionalism, care and compassion to all humans as well as animals during their work with the public, in line with MBPJ’s mission towards a community caring governance,” Lee said.

He has urged MBPJ to conduct an internal investigation into the incident and for the investigation to be conducted “fairly, transparently and without fear or favour”.

It is also high time to reform the spirits, procedures and management of community animals. – March 30, 2023.