Dog Catching Competition

Just recently the Selayang Municipal Council organized a ‘Dog Catching Competition’ to lessen the number of stray dogs found wandering aimlessly around the communities under its jurisdiction.

Similarly to all other competitions, participants from its 27 Residents Committees have to abide by its rules and guidelines.

· Dogs must be delivered alive.
· Dogs must pose for photographs as evidence, a copy to be submitted.
· Only homeless dogs qualify for this competition.
· Participants will be taught the techniques to catch these dogs. Council to provide the necessary special tools.
· The winner gets RM15,000, runner-up RM13,000 and third prize RM11,000.
· To qualify for these top three spots, at least a minimum of 150 dogs in 6 months.
· An incentive of RM20.00 for every dog caught each month.
· Winners will be announced twice a year.

The Council’s idea did not take off as it had resulted in furious protests from animal lovers, pet owners, NGOs and the general public. Protesters described this move as “inhumane, distasteful, unhealthy, unethical, ridiculous”, the Council claimed it as “fun and financially rewarding”. Some suggested the Council includes cats and Mat Rempit in the competition. I think that would be interesting too. Unlike monkeys, dogs and cats are not delicacies. If they are, we can decrease their population by exporting them. Mat Rempits can be eliminated by expelling them to the Antarctica where they can further practice their motorcycling feats.

Eliminating stray dogs is not an uncommon practice. Back in the old days, dog catchers came armed with rifles. Not many of us could afford to buy a license for our pets so we had to hide them from these catchers. Instead of hearing the pitiful yelping of these injured dogs we could hear the sorrowful weeping of their owners. It was very sad to stand by, helplessly, watching our beloved pets being shot dead. The dog catchers then were not as corrupted as the civil servants today and could not be bribed. No license no dog.

The Council failed to realize or maybe they do, that the prize money comes from taxpayers. Money accumulated through the collection of assessments, quit rents and others charges. RM15,000? I rather stay rabies free or else come every full moon I will turn into a werewolf and start howling uncontrollably.

This competition was launched on Sept 3, by Sept 15 it’s scrapped due to public outcry.