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

    1. Must wear uniform during working hours and display a clear ID tag (e.g. with clear name, current photo and company name).
    2. Undergo training and take a refresher course each year.
    3. 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

  1. 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

    1. Daily preparation of food and feeding of animals.
    2. Ill/injured animals are treated accordingly, or euthanized if necessary.
    3. 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.
    4. Parasite control

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

                                                             ii.      For premises, at least once a month

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

 

 

Species

Minimum Floor Area

(Sq.ft.)

Minimum Width

(Ft.)

Minimum Height

(Ft.)

Maximum No. of animals

Puppies (8-16 wks)

Less than 3kg

Over 3kg

 

7 sq.ft

7 sq.ft

 

2

2

 

1’ 7”

1’ 7”

 

4

2

Adult Dogs (height)

Less than 1’4”

1’4”  to  2’4”

Over  2’4”

 

16 sq.ft

25 sq.ft.

36 sq.ft

 

3

3

3

 

6

6

6

 

1

1

1

 

    1. Kennel/cage floor and walls must be easily disinfected.
    2. Ensure kennels/cages always clean and dry.
    3. Animals must be sheltered from direct sun and rain.
    4. Safety and security of kennels/cages to prevent injuries or escape.
    5. Good ventilation.
    6. Good drainage.
  1. 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.
  2. 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

    1. Separate young puppies (4 months and below), nursing and pregnant bitches
  1. 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

    1. Calm dogs can be looped and walked to destination.
    2. Ferocious dogs can be sedated first or use nets if it struggles with the loop.
    3. Young puppies are to be carried.
    4. Cats and kittens must be transported via a suitable carrier to avoid escapes, using gloves and towels to handle ferocious cats or as needed.
    5. Prepare trap door between kennels/cages for ease of cleaning.
    6. Feral animals that are not used to humans to have least human contact as possible.
  1. 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

  1. Storage
    1. Food

                                                               i.      Away from heat and moisture

                                                             ii.      Pest free

                                                            iii.      Avoid bacterial or fungal growth

    1. Drugs

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

                                                             ii.      Usage of drugs to be recorded accordingly

    1. Pesticide/disinfectant

                                                               i.      Away from the animals to avoid exposure and poisonings

                                                             ii.      Locked and stored appropriately

  1. 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

    1. 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

    1. Must wear uniform during working hours and display a clear ID tag, e.g. with current picture, name and company name.
    2. Undergo training and take a refresher course each year.
    3. Dog catching work to be supervised by a higher ranking officer during dog catching outings.
    4. 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.
    5. An annual assessment must be done to review the progress of each personnel.
    6. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

    1. Dog tag

                                                               i.      Visible means of identification.

                                                             ii.      All dogs to wear collars and dog tag.

  1. 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.

    1. 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

    1. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Neutering
    1. Compulsory neutering before obtaining licences.
    2. Dogs should be neutered by 12 months of age, otherwise a breeding licence applies.
  3. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. For unlicensed dogs

                                                               i.      High fines for unlicensed dogs.

                                                             ii.      Immediate compulsory registration for unlicensed dogs.

    1. For unreported births

                                                               i.      High fines for unreported births.

    1. For unregistered trading

                                                               i.      High fines for unregistered dog/cat traders.

    1. Repeat offenders

                                                               i.      Higher fines for repeated offence.

                                                             ii.      Animals confiscated from repeat offender.