WANDERING around the neighbourhood the other day, I saw many people walking their dogs. It was a pleasant sight, responsible owners taking their canine companions out on leashes, and carrying paper bags to scoop the inevitable poop.

Finally, people who have realized what being a responsible pet owner is all about.

Then I saw them. Dogs running free all over the park, with no owner in sight. Sure, they looked mighty pleased with themselves, reveling in their unleashed glory, but there was something very wrong with this picture.

While the dogs that I spotted all had licences dangling on their metal-studded collars, their owners probably didn’t have a clue that having a licence does not mean that their dogs are allowed to roam freely.

Letting them run free means you are putting them in danger. They could easily get killed or injured in a road accident.

Your dog may put other people or other dogs at risk, if they attack them. He could be stolen. Or he could lose his way and be unable to return home.

If your dog fails to return home, if he hasn’t been hurt, he may have been captured by dog-catchers.

The city has several Dog Catching units tasked with the job of ridding the streets of strays. And your dog sporting a licence or a collar does not mean he will be left alone.

If you suspect your dog has been sent to the pound, hurry and go reclaim him.

If you have lost your dog within the Klang Valley, below is a list of places and telephone numbers you can check or call about your pets. 

Pusat Kurungan Haiwan
Jabatan Kesihatan DBKL,
Off Jalan Air Jerneh
Kampung Air Kuning
Air Panas
Setapak
53300 Kuala Lumpur

Monday – Thursday
8am – noon
2pm – 3.30pm
Friday – Saturday
8am – noon
Closed on Sundays and public holidays 

Subang, Puchong, Seri Kembangan and Ampang areas
MPAJ Tel: (03) 4296-8000 or
MPSA Tel: (03) 8026-3131

Monday – Thursday
8am – noon
2pm – 3.30pm
Friday – Saturday
8am – noon
Closed on Sundays and public holidays 

PJ and Shah Alam areas
MPPJ Tel: (03) 7956-3544
MPSA Tel: (03) 5510-5133
PAWS Tel: (03) 7846-1087

Open daily 8am – 4pm

PAWS
Pilmoor Estate
Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang
47200 Subang, Selangor 

Lost and Found details courtesy of www.spca.org.my