Ipoh: The Perak government has announced plans to establish temporary shelters for stray animals as part of its efforts to manage the abandoned animal population in the state. This initiative aims to provide care for stray animals, particularly those involved in public complaints, and is a step towards finding long-term solutions such as adoption centers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman, Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, revealed that the state is collaborating with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to identify suitable locations for these shelters. These shelters will be operated by NGOs with the state facilitating the process at minimal cost.

Sandrea Ng emphasized the importance of continuing collaboration with various parties and stated that the initiative is vital due to the growing population of stray animals. This increase is often attributed to pet owners who do not neuter their animals, leading to unplanned litters and subsequent abandonment.

The announcement was made during a press conference following the 2025 Perak Pawsitive Initiative event for the Kinta district. The event was graced by the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, and attended by dignitaries such as Datin Seri Aezer Zubin and Ipoh Timur member of parliament Howard Lee Chuan How.

Sandrea Ng highlighted the seriousness of the issue by citing that, as of April this year, the state's 15 local authorities received 1,421 dog-related complaints. In response, the state government has implemented several measures, including a subsidized neutering campaign, public awareness programs through the Friends of Pawsitive Initiative platform, and various competitions and adoption drives.

The initiative has already made progress, with 301 dogs and 254 cats neutered and 498 local authority licenses issued under the program as of June 23, 2025.