Dog-catchers do not have the right to enter private property and seize an unlicenced dog.

According to Society For The Prevention of Cruelty To Animals (SPCA) Selangor, instead of nabbing the dog, the catchers should first fine the owner for failure to obtain a licence for the animal.

SPCA Selangor has today issued the advice after a spat of reports by owners against dog catchers for “breaking into homes and stealing their dogs”.

“They also try and coax the dog to the fence and then snare the dog with poles and drag it outside the property,” lamented the animal protection organisation.

“Quite often these dog catchers use the excuse that the dog is not licenced in order to try and justify their actions. The monetary incentive is attractive, with many municipals paying them up to RM45 per dog.”

SPCA also reminded members of the public that dog-catchers do not have the legal authority to climb the fence and enter into the home compound, whether or not the dog has a licence, in all 13 municipal councils in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

“SPCA advises pet owners to challenge any dog-catcher that says they have the right to take your dog, and ask for names and a contact number of a supervisor,” said the organisation in a statement today.

Allegations of abuse by dog-catchers

SPCA is also helping the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in investigating allegations of abuse by dog-catchers.

“The reports have been pouring in, we are now investigating up to four local municipal councils for alleged cruelty to animals by municipal and contracted dog-catchers,” says SPCA chairperson Christine Chin.

According to her, police reports had been lodged in three out of the four incidents.

In a recent incident, Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA) dog-catchers had trespassed into an owner’s home and caught her dog, dragging it out from underneath the main gate.

“Attempts were made to locate the dog, which was not taken to the PAWS Animal Shelter, but held by the MBSA and put to sleep three days later,” said SPCA.

“The owner and an SPCA inspector arrived during the destruction process, and were literally minutes too late to save the dog. The distraught owner made a police report immediately after leaving the pound.”