DVS STUDYING EFFECTIVENESS OF TNRM METHOD IN CONTROLLING STRAY DOG POPULATION

SERDANG, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) is conducting a study on the effectiveness of the Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) method in controlling the population of stray dogs in Malaysia.

Its director-general Dr Akma Ngah Hamid said the study was currently being conducted in Penang with the cooperation of several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as local authorities (PBT) and that it was expected to be completed within a year.

She said that the study was carried out to determine the implications of the TNRM method on the welfare of stray animals, identify the most effective mechanisms for their care post-sterilisation, and measure the community’s acceptance of TNRM.

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“We hope that when we implement the TNRM method, people will adopt the animals as pets. (However), according to the Animal Welfare Act 2015, we do not encourage Trap-Neuter-Release, simply because we do not want the animals to roam freely.

“It is true that we can control the population, but what we need to identify is how to ensure the welfare of abandoned animals after they are released,” she told reporters after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between DVS and external agencies at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agrotourism Exhibition 2024 here today.

Dr Akma said that the DVS was working alongside the Penang City Council, the Seberang Perai City Council, and NGOs such as Independent Aid for Protection and Welfare of Animals, Persatuan Kebajikan Haiwan Terbiar Pulau Pinang, and Persatuan Kebajikan Haiwan Liar Butterworth Pulau Pinang in conducting the study.

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Meanwhile, she said that the department had signed an MoU with Universiti Malaya to carry out research in organised livestock breeding utilising genetic material to improve the quality of livestock with commercial potential.

She said that the DVS had also signed an MoU with Universiti Putra Malaysia to enhance collaboration in training, research, and development within the fields of veterinary science and animal husbandry.

“It is hoped that this collaboration will facilitate efforts to resolve the issues in the livestock sector, particularly in improving the self-sufficiency rate of beef and buffalo meat, thereby securing the country’s food supply,” she said.

-- BERNAMA