A toddler’s recent attack by stray dogs in Peserai has prompted the Batu Pahat Municipal Council (MPBP) to intensify efforts to capture roaming dogs across villages and identified hotspots in the district.
MPBP president Mohd Nazid Jasiman said the council had captured 736 stray dogs in 205 operations across Batu Pahat as of Aug 31 this year.
This compares with 1,557 stray dogs captured in 263 operations throughout last year.
The intensified operations follow the Sept 5 attack on two-year-old Nur Haira Watikah Mohammad Hamizi, who was mauled by five stray dogs at about 7am outside her grandmother’s house in Kampung Tambak, Peserai.
The toddler suffered severe injuries to almost her entire body, was placed in an induced coma and underwent surgery.
Following the incident, MPBP stepped up operations at the attack site while expanding patrols and dog-catching efforts to nearby villages and other known hotspots.
Nazid said regular patrols would continue in areas identified as having stray dog problems, with enforcement action also being taken following complaints from the public.
Last year’s hotspots included Taman Putera Indah, Batu Pahat town centre, Taman Sri Gading, Taman Universiti and Taman Bukit Perdana.
This year, Parit Raja, Taman Putera Indah and Taman Evergreen Heights have emerged as areas of concern.
The heightened enforcement comes amid concerns over public safety, as roaming dogs can pose risks to pedestrians, particularly children. Packs may also become aggressive when defending territory or food.
Nazid said captured dogs would be managed according to the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s standard operating procedures under the Trap-Reclaim-Rehome-Dispose (TRRD) approach.
Under the system, stray dogs are captured and given an opportunity to be reclaimed by their owners, while suitable animals are rehomed. Humane disposal is carried out only as a last resort for dogs that cannot be rehomed.
MPBP will also strengthen public awareness campaigns, dog licensing and responsible pet ownership initiatives.
For a longer-term solution, the council is developing its Stray Animal Control Action Plan 2027-2031, which will cover population control, licensing, enforcement, public education, adoption and neutering.
The plan will also involve cooperation with the Veterinary Services Department, local communities and animal welfare organisations.
