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The Star
25-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
‘Take humane approach in solving strays crisis'
THE country is facing a serious stray dog overpopulation problem, one that experts and activists say has escalated into a national issue requiring immediate action by the Federal Government. Animal welfare groups are sounding the alarm as the problem is straining their resources and raising serious ethical and animal welfare concerns. Social activist S. Shashi Kumar said the crisis reflected not only a breakdown in animal welfare policy but also a deeper failure of governance. 'This is no longer just a local authority issue, but a national crisis. 'What Malaysia needs is urgent federal intervention and structured collaboration with NGOs (non-governmental organisations), as practised in progressive nations like Singapore,' he said. Shashi said many local councils were using inhumane and outdated methods of stray population control, drawing criticism for what he described as the normalisation of cruelty under the guise of management. Yesterday about 200 people gathered outside the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in Putrajaya, calling for the government to stop the culling of stray dogs. Shashi presented a memorandum to a PMO representative, calling for a reform of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) 2015 and to look into their proposals for humane methods of managing the stray animal. Efforts taken by NGOs Scene from a recent protest outside Wisma Negri against the proposed culling of stray dogs in Negri Sembilan. — Filepic In April this year, a nationwide coalition of 39 animal welfare organisations submitted three proposals to Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) to address the stray population crisis for both cats and dogs, seeking balance in public safety and comfort, as well as to reform the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) 2015. The key components in the proposal were to enforce the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return-Manage (TNVRM) programme in a large scale, set up government-run stray animal shelters nationwide and use hybrid approach to address public complaints on stray animal disturbance. Shashi, who is also Global Human Rights Federation president, said the current methods used by the local councils to manage strays, especially dogs, included culling. Killing animals, he said, was no longer acceptable in a civilised society. There is a need to have more compassion, modern governance and sustainable public policies in handling the matter, he added. Kalaivanan: NGOs should be allowed to bail out dogs for free as they are helping the government solve a problem. 'TNVRM strategy, which involves neutering the dogs and returning them to where they were picked up, can avoid the 'vacuum-effect' where removed animals are replaced by new unsterilised ones,' said Shashi. 'Government-operated shelters in every district can provide temporary care and protection for stray animals, serving as a long-term investment in public safety and health, as well as animal education and welfare.' He said that as some local councils have set up cat shelters, there should also be dog shelters. 'The third suggestion is a hybrid approach in handling strays that are reported as disturbance, specifically dogs. 'Local councils can work with animal welfare NGOs to assess problematic dogs, where the canines posing any risk can be removed from public spaces and sent to a shelter to be rehabilitated, while others in the same pack undergo TNVRM,' he said. Shashi said the proposals were supported by the 39 organisations. Most dog shelters in the country, he said, were currently run by individuals or community groups with limited financial means and minimal government support, if any. According to him, many of these shelters are on the brink of closure and unable to sustain the rising cost for food, medical care, and daily operations. Shashi describes the overpopulation of stray dogs a national crisis that demands urgent government intervention. 'Thousands of animals depend on these shelters for survival. Without immediate financial intervention, their lives will hang in the balance,' he said. StarMetro has reached out to the ministry and is awaiting its comments. Call for free bailout There is a nationwide movement called Stray Lives Matter, to end the abuse and killing of homeless animals. A campaign began in October last year, following a public outcry after a female stray dog in Terengganu named Kopi was shot dead by a Besut District Council officer during an animal control operation. The dog had previously gained Internet fame for a video showing her playing gently with a kitten. Public outrage escalated into legal action and calls for reform of the country's animal welfare laws through a full-fledged national movement. Also speaking on behalf of the coalition is Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia president R. Kalaivanan. Rajesh: It's crucial to amend AWA 2015 and remove any powers granted to local authorities to shoot and kill. In a media statement, he said one of the main barriers to rescuing stray dogs across the country was the bailout fees imposed by local councils, ranging from hundreds to thousands of ringgit per dog. He said NGOs should be allowed to bail out dogs for free as they were helping the government solve a problem in the community. 'While we are willing to help save the lives of these animals, the burden cannot fall solely on the NGOs and their shelters. 'It should be a shared responsibility between the government, NGOs and shelters. 'The government must take its fair share of responsibility in supporting animal welfare efforts, especially when it comes to financial backing and creating policies that enable NGOs to perform their roles effectively,' he said. NGOs, he said, must be given sufficient time to find shelters or permanent homes for rescued animals. 'We propose that NGOs be given at least 14 days to find suitable arrangements for each animal, ensuring that every rescued animal has a proper chance for rehabilitation and adoption. 'The overpopulation of stray dogs is caused by the local authorities' lack of management, and the solution seems to be inhumane methods including reactive culling of the animals,' he noted. Reform of AWA Shashi, who is also Selangor Furry Future Association president, is seeking amendments to AWA 2015 and an end to inhumane practices by local authorities in controlling the population of stray animals, especially dogs. While the Act offered a glimmer of hope in animal welfare, he said it had loopholes that needed to be amended. AWA 2015 contains 64 sections largely directed at pet owners and individuals who commit acts of cruelty or fail to comply with prescribed regulations, he said. While the Act emphasises responsible ownership and the prevention of animal cruelty, it lacks provisions that hold local council officers accountable for the inhumane capture or brutal treatment of stray animals, he pointed out. Vulnerable stray dogs continue to be abused or killed across the country for just wanting to live, he added. With the increasing number of stray dogs, Shashi said animal rescuers, independent feeders and shelter operators were working tirelessly under immense financial and emotional strain to care for the animals. 'Some stray dogs caught by local council dog catchers risk being mistreated or killed, if not adopted in time. 'Some local councils charge exorbitant fees to release captured dogs. 'This leaves the animal rescuers facing heartbreaking decisions concerning dogs' lives,' he said. According to lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, certain provisions in AWA 2015 are vague, lhence it is used by the authorities in a manner not in line with the original intention. 'It also lacks some provisions needed in this age in line with latest developments. 'Section 30(1) and (2) read together has been construed by the authorities as allowing the shooting and killing of dogs.' He said that when this Act was proposed in Parliament in 2015, it was clearly stated that there would be no more shooting of dogs. 'Despite this, the authorities are still relying on the Act to shoot and kill stray dogs,' he said. 'The solution to this problem,' Rajesh said, 'is in amending the offending provision and removing any powers granted to local authorities to shoot and kill.' The Veterinary Services Department should be the only authority empowered to put dogs to sleep in humane ways, he said. 'Further, Section 34 of the Act grants powers to animal welfare officers in situations involving animals in distress. 'The Act allows an officer to destroy an animal at their own discretion, without requiring certification or confirmation from a registered veterinary surgeon. 'These are powers involving the lives of animals and ought not be a power that is delegated,' he highlighted. Rajesh said Section 4 of the Act provided for the establishment of the Animal Welfare Board (AWB), but noted that its membership, which meant to advocate animal welfare, remained limited in scope, such as head of agencies. 'To ensure meaningful representation, the board should entirely comprise members of civil society. 'It is crucial that the AWA 2015 undergo comprehensive reforms to address and correct these shortcomings,' he said.
The Star
25-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
NGO submits memorandum calling for immediate halt to the culling of strays
ABOUT 200 people gathered outside the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in Precinct 1, Putrajaya, calling for an immediate halt to the culling of stray dogs. Among them was social activist and Global Human Rights Federation president S. Shashi Kumar, who handed a memorandum to a representative from the PMO. The memorandum called for the Federal Government to reform the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and look into the federation's proposals for humane methods of managing strays. Shashi said the increasing number of stray animals, particularly dogs, was a national crisis that must be addressed by the government. 'Instead, the government has taken the shortcut approach by killing these animals. 'These strays are also caught (by local councils) and placed in pounds with heavy 'bail' fees. Local councils charge up to RM2,000 per dog, which is extortion,' he claimed. Shashi said the group wanted the government to intervene by working with non-governmental organisations championing animal welfare to solve the problem, including allocating funds towards the matter. The handover was witnessed by the group, who held up banners and placards in a show of support. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
News18
24-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Electric Dreams, Organic Booms And Fashion Wins: How Indian Brands Cashed In On The Mid-Year Shopping Frenzy
Brands like Akshayakalpa, Atomberg, Bajaj, and PUMA saw record-breaking growth and digital wins during Prime Day 2025 From electric scooters to organic milk and designer fans, Indian and global brands saw unprecedented momentum during this year's shopping event. India's most anticipated mid-year shopping bonanza, Prime Day 2025 turned out to be a breakout moment for a wide range of businesses, from sustainable homegrown startups to iconic global names. This year, brands across sectors leveraged the platform not just for sales, but for deep consumer engagement, new product launches, and accelerated digital growth. For Akshayakalpa Organic, the two-day event was a significant milestone. 'This Prime Day shopping event turned out to be a major milestone for our brand," said Shashi Kumar, CEO, Akshayakalpa Organic. 'From securing high-visibility slots to using targeted marketing tools, we were able to reach a much wider audience across India and saw a remarkable 50% increase in sales." 'Our latest offering, Chetak 3001, received an overwhelming response, becoming the No.1 best-selling electric scooter," said Eric Vas, President, EV Business, Bajaj Auto Limited. For Atomberg, known for its energy-efficient appliances, the shopping event drove record-breaking performance. 'Our mixer grinders and fans saw unprecedented growth, and our Prime Day launch of water purifiers was a blockbuster success," said Arindam Paul, Founding Member & CBO of Atomberg. 'We've built our growth journey alongside strong digital partnerships, and this campaign took it to the next level." Fashion and sportswear also witnessed momentum, with PUMA leading across categories. 'We saw strong consumer engagement and significant brand growth across all categories," said Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director, PUMA India. 'Our curated selection and wide reach helped us deliver category-leading performance, reaffirming the importance of a strong digital retail strategy in today's landscape." Meanwhile, the infrastructure behind these consumer wins is also evolving fast. 'Prime members purchased more than ever, and we set new records in delivery speeds," said Akshay Sahi, Head of Prime, Delivery & Returns Experiences, India and Emerging Markets. 'Thanks to our INR 2,000 crore investment in associate welfare and operational scale, deliveries were faster and safer this year. Our delivery partners truly made this possible." A Sign of India's Evolving Consumer Culture The success stories from Prime Day 2025 go beyond sales, they reflect a deeper shift in how Indian consumers discover, interact with, and purchase from their favourite brands. Whether it's a luxury EV, a high-design ceiling fan, or a heritage sports brand, this year's standout performers used storytelling, smart targeting, and timely launches to win over modern shoppers. view comments First Published: July 24, 2025, 10:26 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Time of India
4 held under Goonda Act in twin cities
Hubballi: Police commissioner N Shashi Kumar said that four persons were held under the Goonda Act, and the advisory panel of the high court upheld the arrest order under the Goonda Act. On Tuesday, Shashi Kumar told reporters that last month, the police commissioner and additional district magistrate of Hubballi and Dharwad issued arrest orders under the Goonda Act, 1985, to detain them in various jails for one year. The High Court Advisory Board took up the hearing of the arrest warrant issued against the aforementioned rowdy-sheeters under the Goonda Act and upheld the order of the police commissioner. The arrest warrant was extended for one year as the rowdy-sheeters were in hiding, violating the land conditions given to them, and the opportunities provided to them to live in a better way. They were deemed a threat to public peace and order, he said. Rowdy-sheeters of the twin cities of Hubballi and Dharwad, Sagar Lakkundi, 28, Lakshman Gabhya Ballari, 30, Manjunath Scientist Manja Bhandari, 36, and Dawood Nadaf, 32, were arrested. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo In this regard, the director of police and inspector general of Bengaluru appreciated and praised the action taken by the police commissioner. "The department increased the number of personnel and took many steps to control the activities of rowdies. Action was taken against more than 700 rowdy-sheeters. Police are working to monitor the movement of rowdy-sheeters from time to time. We have taken steps to prevent them from being involved in unpleasant incidents. This year, 83 people were externed, and four people were charged under the Goonda Act," he informed.
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Plant Fair inaugurated at UHS on GKVK campus,
BENGALURU A three-day 'Plant Fair' was inaugurated at the Regional Horticulture Research and Extension Centre at the University of Horticultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, on Friday. S. R. Vishwanath, MLA for Yelahanka Assembly Constituency, inaugurated the exhibition halls and visited stalls showcasing various horticultural practices. In his address, he emphasised the need to retain agricultural practices amid growing urbanisation. He shared his personal involvement in agriculture, horticulture, and dairy farming, noting the health benefits of producing and consuming one's own food. He encouraged urban residents to grow vegetables at home and suggested that replacing screen time with planting efforts could yield community benefits. Actor and agri-entrepreneur Shashi Kumar, the chief guest, urged agriculture graduates to enter the field and treat agriculture as an enterprise. S. B. Dandin, former Vice Chancellor of UHS Bagalkot, highlighted the importance of soil fertility, water, and farmer knowledge. He encouraged youth to engage in agriculture and drive innovation. G. S. K. Swamy, Dean of the College of Horticulture, Bengaluru, presided over the event. Rajasab A. H., President of Karnataka Academy of Science and Technology, and G. K. Seetharam, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Farmer Producer Organisations, attended. The Plant Fair will continue till Sunday.
