More than 20 stray dogs roaming around Pantai Chenang have raised safety concerns among residents and tourists, with some of the animals reportedly chasing and attacking people in the area.
The pack has been seen taking over the popular tourist destination as early as 7am daily, roaming around the beach and surrounding areas in search of food.
Resident Shafiq Zaini, 30, claimed that certain individuals had been feeding the stray dogs, contributing to the growing number of animals in the area.
“I usually come across plastic bags containing food left at several spots. Feeding the dogs has caused their numbers to increase.
“I now have to carry a slingshot when walking along Jalan Pantai Chenang because I have been attacked by stray dogs before,” he told Kosmo! yesterday.
Food vendor Marializa Mohd Saleh, 46, said the Park and Ride area was among the spots frequently visited by the stray dogs.
She said as many as 20 dogs could sometimes be seen gathering around rubbish bins in search of food.
“Garbage that is not properly placed inside the bins is often torn apart by the dogs, leaving rubbish scattered around,” she said.
Another resident, Mastura Saad, 28, said the stray dogs frequently chased members of the public.
“There have already been several incidents involving tourists being chased and bitten by stray dogs around the beach and nearby villages.
“Enforcement action has also yet to be effective, as large numbers of stray dogs continue to roam the area despite capture operations,” she said.
The concerns come after a two-year-old child was seriously injured in a stray dog attack in Kampung Tambak, Sungai Kelambu, Batu Pahat, last Saturday at about 7am.
The victim, Nur Haira Watikah Mohammad Hamizi, was found covered in blood after being attacked by a pack of five stray dogs, suffering a deep wound to her head and a puncture wound to her cheek.
