Dog Population Control in Malaysia

The dog population in Peninsular Malaysia is estimated to be 1.7 million heads, of which, the stray dog population is believed to be 1 million. The main factors that contribute to the persistence of the stray dog problem are breeding among existing stray dogs, dumping of unwanted excess puppies as well as migration of stray dogs into Peninsular Malaysia at the Malaysia - Thai border. Various measures have been employed in Peninsular Malaysia to control and reduce the stray dog population. These include catching and destruction of stray dogs as well as neutering. A deterrent element has been By-laws enacted by the various town and city councils. In essence, these prohibit dogs straying outside owners' compound as well as limit the number of dogs permissible on a house area basis. However, the problem of stray dogs continue to be unresolved.