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The Johor state government is looking to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to improve how stray dogs and cats are managed across the state
According to Malay Mail, Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the state could adopt elements of the approach used in the Netherlands, where stray animals are neutered to prevent unwanted litters while their welfare and nutrition are also prioritised.
"So, the plan is to work closely with the NGOs that will place these stray dogs in a dedicated shelter instead of leaving them abandoned and emaciated," he said.
Mohd Jafni was speaking to reporters after launching the Johor Smart City Forum 2026 at the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre in Pasir Gudang on Thursday, 13 August.
Mohd Jafni said stray dogs would be neutered and properly cared for before being offered up for adoption
He said the approach could be introduced as a pilot project involving one or two local councils as early as next year.
At present, he said, only the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) has a dedicated shelter for stray dogs.
"I will personally visit the shelter this September as I was told the facilities are almost ready," he said.
Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via New Straits TimesMohd Jafni said his interactions with animal lovers have prompted calls for local authorities to adopt a more organised approach to managing stray dogs and cats
He said addressing the issue would require long-term efforts combining animal welfare measures with shelter care and adoption support.
The Netherlands is often cited as an example of a more structured approach to stray animal management, with measures including:
– Government-funded sterilisation programmes
– Strict animal welfare laws with heavy penalties for abandonment
– Municipal shelters that take in found animals
– Mandatory microchipping and registration of pets
– High taxes on store-bought dogs to encourage shelter adoption
