GUIDELINES ON STRAY MANAGEMENT

Animal welfare should be a high priority at all times. This means that the 5 freedoms should be regarded as much as possible in every aspect.

 

5 FREEDOMS:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
2. Freedom from discomfort (from environment)
3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease
4. Freedom to express normal behaviour
5. Freedom from fear and distress

Topics:

1. Humane Pound Management                        2
2. Dog Catching                                                 6
3. Licensing / Regulations                                 8
4. Education / Awareness                                  10
5. Euthanasia                                                      12
6. Neutering                                                       14
7. Claims / Adoptions                                         16

HUMANE POUND MANAGEMENT

AIMS

To have humane housing and management of caught animals, hire compassionate and well trained personnel, to lessen their suffering before euthanasia / reclaiming / rehoming.

1. Pound personnel
1. Select pound personnel with suitable personality

                                                               i.      Compassionate to animals

                                                             ii.      Capable of educating pet owners on responsible pet ownership

                                                            iii.      Professional in handling animals and the public

2. Must wear uniform during working hours and display a clear ID tag (e.g. with clear name, current photo and company name).
3. Undergo training and take a refresher course each year.
4. To be evaluated each year for suitability.
1. Arrivals
1. To have a qualified veterinarian examine all animals upon arrival, where healthy animals may be subjected to vaccinations and parasite control.
2. Isolate the sick, pregnant, nursing animals and young puppies or kittens.
3. Cats must be separated by sexes. Female dogs on heat must be separated from intact males.
4. Euthanize animals immediately if necessary.
5. Sick or injured animals to be treated immediately.
6. To record number of dogs, ID of dogs and the area where they were caught.
2. Length of time
1. Dogs are to be kept in the pound for a minimum of 14 days unless;

                                                               i.      They need to be euthanized immediately

                                                             ii.      Limited space

                                                            iii.      Reclaimed by owner

4. Routine
1. Daily inspection of animals, by a veterinarian or trained personnel.
2. Daily inspection of kennels/cages, and repairs when necessary.
3. Daily multiple cleaning and disinfecting of

                                                               i.      Kennels/cages

                                                             ii.      Food bowls and utensils

                                                            iii.      Personnel

4. Daily preparation of food and feeding of animals.
5. Ill/injured animals are treated accordingly, or euthanized if necessary.
6. Animals should be bathed, groomed and exercised or provided with kennel/cage enrichment (e.g. provide toys/chews) and socialisation with people for suitable dogs.
7. Parasite control

                                                               i.      For dogs upon entry or as needed, e.g. deworm, deflea, detick

                                                             ii.      For premises, at least once a month

8. Update records
4. Housing
1. The following are the minimum kennel dimentions:

2. Kennel/cage floor and walls must be easily disinfected.
3. Ensure kennels/cages always clean and dry.
4. Animals must be sheltered from direct sun and rain.
5. Safety and security of kennels/cages to prevent injuries or escape.
6. Good ventilation.
7. Good drainage.
5. Feeding
1. Food must be well balanced and provides adequate nutrition for each animal. Different requirements according to species, age and needs. Dry food is recommended.
2. Avoid frequent changes in food given, as it is unsettling for animals and may lead to dietary intolerance.
3. Use food and water bowls that cannot be tipped over, and made of material that is strong, durable and easily cleaned, i.e. stainless steel.
4. If multiple animals are kept in same compound, ensure that all animals get enough to eat, especially the most submissive animals.
5. Clean water to be available at all times.
6. Remove uneaten food immediately after eating.
7. Clean food bowls and utensils after use with detergent and disinfectant if necessary.
8. Dogs and cats to be fed at least twice a day, young puppies or kittens are to be fed more frequently.
6. Isolation
1. Isolate recently caught animals from general population for at least 10-14 days. Isolated animals are not to be mixed with any other population in the pound.
2. Animals caught from same area can be placed in same kennel/cage in isolation, provided that none of them harbour any contagious diseases.
3. Isolate fierce dogs and cats into a kennel/cage by itself.
4. Separate the sexes for cats and female dogs on heat from the males.
5. Separate sick and injured animals – to wards for treatment

                                                               i.      Animals with contagious diseases should be taken extra precaution to prevent spread of disease.

1.      Kept in isolation area

2.      Use different food bowls and utensils

3.      Regular disinfecting of area, equipment and personnel in contact with diseased animals or isolation area

6. Separate young puppies (4 months and below), nursing and pregnant bitches
7. Transfer
1. To transfer animals from one place to another humanely

                                                               i.      From vehicle to kennels/cages

                                                             ii.      During kennel/cage cleaning

                                                            iii.      To isolation/wards

                                                           iv.      To be euthanized

2. Calm dogs can be looped and walked to destination.
3. Ferocious dogs can be sedated first or use nets if it struggles with the loop.
4. Young puppies are to be carried.
5. Cats and kittens must be transported via a suitable carrier to avoid escapes, using gloves and towels to handle ferocious cats or as needed.
6. Prepare trap door between kennels/cages for ease of cleaning.
7. Feral animals that are not used to humans to have least human contact as possible.
8. Cleaning
1. Regular cleaning of all kennels/cages and after meals, i.e. four times a day.
2. Use disinfectants at their correct concentrations.
3. Animals to be removed prior to cleaning of kennels/cages. Also remove any food/water bowls, trays, toys, and movable furniture.
4. Ensure floors and walls are thoroughly cleaned, and all disinfectant/detergent rinsed off.
5. Ensure kennels/cages are clean and dry before transferring animals back.
6. Clean food bowls and utensils with detergent and safe disinfectants.
7. To disinfect boots, clothes and hands of personnel, especially if they had exposure to sick dogs
8. Kennels/cages to be washed with appropriate pesticide to prevent ticks/fleas, e.g. once a month, or when necessary

                                                               i.      To clean off the pesticide residue before exposing dogs to area, to prevent potential poisoning

10. Storage
1. Food

                                                               i.      Away from heat and moisture

                                                             ii.      Pest free

                                                            iii.      Avoid bacterial or fungal growth

2. Drugs

                                                               i.      To be stored in locked cabinet by and accessed by vets only

                                                             ii.      Usage of drugs to be recorded accordingly

3. Pesticide/disinfectant

                                                               i.      Away from the animals to avoid exposure and poisonings

                                                             ii.      Locked and stored appropriately

11. Record keeping
1. Frequently update records such as:

                                                               i.      Number and ID of animals entering pound

                                                             ii.      Number and ID of animals reclaimed/adopted

                                                            iii.      Number and ID of animals euthanized

                                                           iv.      Treatment records

                                                             v.      Officers in charge of each process

2. Records should be reviewed at least once a year, so as to improve on pound and its guidelines.

DOG CATCHING

AIMS

To catch stray animals which are a nuisance to society or confiscate animals that do not adhere to the laws; with priority on humane catching and transport, to minimise stress and injuries to the animals.

1. Personnel
1. Select dog catching personnel with suitable personality

                                                               i.      Compassionate to animals

                                                             ii.      Capable of educating pet owners on responsible pet ownership

                                                            iii.      Professional in handling animals and the public

2. Must wear uniform during working hours and display a clear ID tag, e.g. with current picture, name and company name.
3. Undergo training and take a refresher course each year.
4. Dog catching work to be supervised by a higher ranking officer during dog catching outings.
5. If a contractor is supplying personnel, each personnel must also follow the guidelines, and the personnel particulars recorded by each council. The contract must be reviewed every year.
6. An annual assessment must be done to review the progress of each personnel.
7. Details of dog catching personnel to be submitted to DVS and updated annually. Any changes in particulars or personnel during the year has to inform the DVS immediately.
1. Entering private compounds
1. Is prohibited and considered as trespassing
2. A warrant is necessary to enter private compounds to confiscate animals that do not adhere to the law.
3. Police escort is necessary to enter private compounds.
2. Boundaries
1. Dog catching area to be authorised by a higher ranking officer.
2. Dogs should be obtained from council boundaries only.
3. Humane catching
1. To minimise stress and injuries to animals caught at all times.
2. Humane catching may employ:

                                                               i.      Snare/loop/grasp

1.      A long handle with adjustable loop, made of rope or material that causes least harm.

2.      Loop should be placed over dogs head and tightened to secure dog, but not to strangle it.

3.      Dog should be walked slowly to vehicle/cage, not dragged.

4.      Dog is then lifted or guided into vehicle/cage.

5.      This method is not suitable for cats.

                                                             ii.      Net

1.      Net made of rope, with steel pole and loop.

2.      Animal is enclosed in the net and net twisted around the dog to limit its movement.

3.      Animal can then be lifted together with the net.

4.      Net must be repaired when torn.

5.      Care must be taken not to injure animal during netting process.

                                                            iii.      Trap

1.      Trap must be safe for handlers, the public and the animals.

                                                           iv.      Tranquilizer darts / chemical restraint

1.      A qualified vet must be present during use of darts to handle the drugs.

2.      Priority must be given to safety when using darts – all darts and needles must be retrieved after shooting.

3.      Use only sharp and sterilised needles and syringes.

                                                             v.      Any other method that can ensure safety of personnel, public and animals; as well as limit stress and injuries to the animals.

5. Humane transport
1. Vehicles must be approved by DVS before usage, and re-examined yearly.
2. Vehicles to have adequate ventilation and protection from direct sun and rain.
3. Transport to be disinfected after each dog catching rounds.
4. Preferably each dog to be transported in separated cages within the vehicle.
5. Prevent overcrowding – limit number of dogs according to size of the caged area, i.e. 2m² per dog.
6. Cats to be carried in separate carriers.
7. Minimise time dogs are in the transport – dogs must be transported directly to the pound immediately after capture.
6. Training program
1. A comprehensive animal catching program to be compulsory for all personnel.
2. Training must emphasize on humane methods of catching animals, to minimise stress and injuries to the animals.
3. Only personnel that pass the training program be allowed to catch animals.
4. All personnel must undergo a refresher course yearly.
5. Training may be provided by animal welfare organisations, with the syllabus approved by the DVS.

LICENSING / REGULATIONS

AIMS

1. Provide identification of animals
2. Deter abandonment/cruelty
3. Promote neutering

1. Identification
1. Microchipping

                                                               i.      Microchipping compulsory for all dogs aged 3 months and above.

                                                             ii.      Data of dogs and owner to be compiled by each council and the national database.

                                                            iii.      Changes should be updated immediately.

                                                           iv.      Insertion of microchip should be done by a qualified vet. Microchip to be inserted midline between the shoulder blades.

                                                             v.      Microchip must be internationally compatible – ISO standard.

2. Dog tag

                                                               i.      Visible means of identification.

                                                             ii.      All dogs to wear collars and dog tag.

2. Licences
1. Annual dog licence

                                                               i.      For all neutered dogs – minimal fees e.g. RM10 per year.

                                                             ii.      Unneutered dogs – to get breeding licences.

                                                            iii.      Houses/premise should be inspected for suitability before licence is approved.

1.      Adequate space and shelter.

                                                           iv.      All dogs aged 3 months and above should be licensed.

2. Breeding licence

                                                               i.      Should be applicable for all unneutered dogs, regardless of whether it is bred or not.

                                                             ii.      Fees should be substantially higher than normal dog licence fees e.g. RM200 per year.

                                                            iii.      To report any births within 2 months

1.      Number of puppies and its characteristics

2.      Sale of any puppies

3. Animal trade licence

                                                               i.      Licence for pet shops or those who sells dogs/cats/pets.

                                                             ii.      Premise inspected before licences can be given.

1.      Good hygiene, adequate space and shelter.

                                                            iii.      Licensed traders to obtained dogs from licensed breeders only.

3. Responsible Pet Ownership (RPO) Courses
1. All those obtaining dog licences or trading licences are to first attend the RPO course to instil good animal practices.
2. RPO courses to be conducted only parties authorised by DVS.
3. To contact DVS, UPM, animal welfare bodies for updated and current RPO syllabus.
4. Neutering
1. Compulsory neutering before obtaining licences.
2. Dogs should be neutered by 12 months of age, otherwise a breeding licence applies.
5. Fines
1. For dogs caught

                                                               i.      All dogs caught should be traceable to owner, and the owner fined regardless of whether dog is claimed or not.

2. For unsuitable housing

                                                               i.      Houses/premises to be inspected before annual licences are approved.

                                                             ii.      Traders must have their premises examined frequently and fined for unsuitability.

3. For unlicensed dogs

                                                               i.      High fines for unlicensed dogs.

                                                             ii.      Immediate compulsory registration for unlicensed dogs.

4. For unreported births

                                                               i.      High fines for unreported births.

5. For unregistered trading

                                                               i.      High fines for unregistered dog/cat traders.

6. Repeat offenders

                                                               i.      Higher fines for repeated offence.

                                                             ii.      Animals confiscated from repeat offender.

                                                            iii.      Ban from owning animals from repeat offenders i.e. 3^rd offence.

                                                           iv.      Ban from obtaining trading licence for repeat animal trading offences.

EDUCATION / AWARENESS

AIMS

To have on-going public education to increase awareness on responsible pet ownership

1. To collaborate with DVS, UPM’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and animal welfare organisations to get accurate, current and updated education materials.
2. Responsible pet ownership
1. To teach current pet owners on

                                                               i.      Care and commitment for pets, example:

1.      Food and shelter

2.      Time commitment

3.      Costing

                                                             ii.      Healthcare for pets, example:

1.      Vaccinations

2.      Parasite control

3.      Preventive medicine

4.      Regular vet check up

                                                            iii.      Benefits of neutering, example:

1.      Reduce risk of mammary tumour

2.      Behavioural benefits, e.g. less roaming

                                                           iv.      Responsibility for pets in public/neighbourhood, example:

1.      Pick up after pets

2.      Leash dog at all times outside the residential compound

3.      Muzzle ferocious dogs

                                                             v.      Responsible neighbour

1.      Be a considerate neighbour

2.      Prevent excessive barking/noise

3.      Take care of cleanliness/hygiene

4.      Parasite control of animal and compound

5.      Not allow dogs out without a leash

                                                           vi.      Legal responsibilities, example:

1.      Dog licensing

2.      Microchipping

2. To discourage impulse purchase, example:

                                                               i.      Emphasize time commitment

                                                             ii.      Costs of keeping pets

                                                            iii.      Responsibility on care

                                                           iv.      Legal responsibilities

3. To teach the general public

                                                               i.      On cleanliness – less trash on streets, rubbish control

                                                             ii.      Responsible feeding of strays

                                                            iii.      Trap-Neuter-Release programs

3. To have campaigns/seminars/talks regularly, example:
1. Campaigns at residential areas once a month
2. Outreach programs at shopping malls
3. Talks at special occasions, e.g. pet shows
4. Distribute education material via
1. Municipal offices – e.g. dog licensing department
2. The pet industry – e.g. pet shops, grooming saloons, boarding houses
3. Vet clinics
4. Schools
5. Dog catchers at dog catching venues – houses, markets, etc
6. Media – e.g. pet magazines, newspapers, etc
5. Klinik Kembiri and vet clinics
1. To collaborate with animal welfare organisations and private vets
2. Able to communicate directly to pet owners on the subject of RPO.

EUTHANASIA

AIMS

To humanely euthanize animals by producing rapid unconsciousness followed by death, that should cause lease amount of pain, suffering and anxiety. 

1. Euthanasia should be carried out by at least one qualified veterinarian with a current annual practicing licence obtained from MVC. There should be a personnel assisting the vet to restrain and calm the animal.
2. There are some categories of animals that should be euthanized immediately upon entry or as needed:
1. Terminally ill animals and animals with contagious diseases (mange/ distemper/ parvovirus etc) that are likely to spread easily to the rest of the impounded animals.
2. Animals that cannot be re-homed. This include very aggressive animals (be it an innate trait or as a result of their being constantly tied) and all feral animals which are not used to humans.
3. Animals that are seriously injured or seriously disabled- congenital or otherwise.
4. Animals that are very old or very young (from new born to about eight weeks of age).
5. Animals that are surrendered by their owners with the request for euthanasia. Preferably, such owners should sign a request/ consent form.
3. Euthanize animals that have been in the shelter for a set time. The time limit should be based on the shelter’s capacity and the pressure on kennel space due to incoming animals.
4. Method of euthanasia:
1. Tranquilizer or anaesthetic given first to very fractious animals.
2. Accepted routes are:

                                                               i.      Intravenous (IV) route.

                                                             ii.      Intracardiac route, only after the animal is unconscious or deeply anaesthetised.

                                                            iii.      Intraperitoneal route for cats, kittens and puppies if IV route proves difficult or impractical, preferably sedated/anaesthetised first. 

3. Use only clean and sharp needles with suitable bore size and length. Needles are then disposed off properly after use.
4. Most humane method of euthanasia is by injection of sodium pentobarbital (a barbiturate). Other methods of euthanasia must be approved by MVC/DVS prior to use.
4. Process of euthanasia:
1. It is always best done in an enclosed and quiet environment, taking all steps to minimize stress on the animal.
2. If the animal is unduly agitated, it is best to administer tranquilization to calm it down.
3. When calmed, take the following steps:

                                                               i.      Some form of restraint to ensure the euthanasia is smoothly carried out.

                                                             ii.      Some words of reassurance with proper handling so it remains calm.

                                                            iii.      Administer the euthanasia solution in a slow infusion so as to bring about a state of anaesthesia before death results.

                                                           iv.      Verify the death of the animal

                                                             v.      Dispose the carcass properly; either by burial or incineration.

                                                           vi.      Where necessary, proper disinfection of the premises and equipment.

NEUTERING

AIMS

To promote spaying/neutering as a means to control population

1. Reclaimed / Adopted animals from pound
1. All dogs/cats to be neutered before returned to owner.
2. All dogs/cats released for adoptions must be neutered before release.
2. Subsidised / low-cost neutering schemes
1. Obtain collaboration from DVS, MVC, local vets and animal welfare organisations, where possible e.g. SPCA.
2. Set up “Klinik Kembiri” at a suitable location.

                                                               i.      Clinic set up with separate surgery room, prep room and wards, which are approved by the MVC/DVS.

                                                             ii.      Neuters to be carried out by qualified and registered vets only.

                                                            iii.      Post-op monitoring program is essential.

                                                           iv.      Surgeries to be done under acceptable conditions, to lessen complications and suffering, with:

1.      adequate anaesthesia

2.      adequate analgesia

3.      proper aseptic techniques

3. Subsidised rates through private clinics

                                                               i.      Develop a subsidised scheme with private vets.

3. Dog licensing
1. Licence fee of neutered dogs to be greatly reduced.
2. Dogs that are not neutered to be charged a breeder’s fee – substantially higher than fees for neutered dogs.
3. To educate owners obtaining dog licences about the benefits of neutering.
4. Promote neutering
1. Education / seminar / campaigns / talks, etc.

                                                               i.      To be held regularly, e.g. once a month, targeting residents with pets and future pet owners.

2. Education materials distributed.

                                                               i.      Leaflets, posters, booklets, etc, to be distributed to the public on the benefits of neutering

                                                             ii.      Promote neutering to lower income group by distributing leaflets promoting Klinik Kembiri or subsidised neutering by participating vets

                                                            iii.      Promote the lowered licensing fees for neutered dogs.

                                                           iv.      Examples of places to distribute materials:        

1.      Dog licensing offices

2.      Vet clinics

3.      Pet shops

4.      Grooming saloons

5.      Residents’ Associations

6.      Schools

7.      Animal shelters

8.      Animal pounds

9.      Shopping centres

3. Media.

                                                               i.      To promote neutering by publishing regular articles through the media, such as:

1.      Newspapers

2.      TV

3.      Radio

4.      Internet

4. Through government clinics, private clinics, Klinik Kembiri

                                                               i.      Clinic staff to talk and promote benefits of neutering to clients and public

                                                             ii.      Posters and education material distributed through clinics

                                                            iii.      By participating in subsidisation programs

CLAIMS / ADOPTIONS

AIMS

• To allow owners to reclaim their pets
• To rehome suitable pets to appropriate homes
• To reduce the number of pets euthanized

1. Pets kept a minimum of 14 days to allow owners to reclaim their dogs before being euthanized, unless:

                                                               i.      They need to be euthanized immediately

                                                             ii.      Limited space

                                                            iii.      Reclaimed by owner

2. Pets with ID
1. To check all pets brought to pound for ID tags or microchip
2. To inform pet owners immediately when animals are brought to pounds
3. To issue a summons to pet owners for abandonment when animals are identified, with heavier fines to repeat offenders.
3. Awareness of pound
1. To raise awareness of the presence and location of pound.

                                                               i.      Place posters

                                                             ii.      Distribute flyers

2. To inform residents when pets/dogs are caught from that area
3. Selection of suitable pets for rehoming
1. Suitable dogs are selected

                                                               i.      Good temperament / behaviour

                                                             ii.      Young

                                                            iii.      Preferred characteristics, e.g. pleasing coat colours

2. Selected animals to be isolated from general population
3. Dogs/cats must be healthy, vaccinated and neutered before rehoming
4. Selected pets to be given time frame for adoption, e.g. 2 months
5. To allow suitable adopters to first select and reserve pets from general population.
4. Selection of adopters
1. To be interviewed and homes checked for suitability.
2. To apply for dog licence with dogs microchipped and tagged appropriately.
3. To pay adoption fees, which could cover vaccinations and neutering.
4. May appoint animal welfare organisations to inspect on suitability of adopters.
5. Suitable dogs may be sent to animal welfare organisations or animal shelters for rehabilitation and rehoming.