Strays may be suffering in the haze, but where is the data?
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has no clearly established, publicly accessible nationwide dataset tracking haze-related illnesses and deaths among stray animals, raising concerns that their suffering could go undetected as air pollution worsens.
NGO Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) president Kalaivanan Ravichandran said the lack of systematic monitoring made it difficult to establish the extent of respiratory illnesses and deaths among strays, leaving authorities without a clear picture of the impact of prolonged haze on vulnerable animals.
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“The absence of documented animal suffering should never be mistaken for evidence that animals are unaffected.“
He added that SAFM could not confirm whether respiratory illnesses or deaths among stray animals had increased during the current haze episode, emphasising that such claims required verified veterinary findings and supporting data.
However, he said the difficulty in establishing the scale of the problem underscored the need for a coordinated nationwide reporting system, particularly as street animals rarely receive routine medical examinations.
He also said many could develop respiratory complications or die without their conditions being recorded, leaving rescuers and authorities with an incomplete understanding of the risks.
The concern comes as the Health Ministry’s surveillance system has detected an increase in upper respiratory tract infections during the haze.
Cases recorded at 78 selected healthcare facilities rose 10.43% from 3,509 in epidemiological week 39 to 3,875 in week 40.
Kalaivanan said systematic monitoring of animal health should complement existing efforts to track the effects of polluted air on individuals, rather than leaving animal welfare concerns dependent on anecdotal reports.
SAFM has proposed that the Veterinary Services Department, veterinary practitioners, local authorities and animal welfare organisations establish a coordinated reporting mechanism during significant haze episodes.
He added that under the proposed system, suspected cases would be documented, assessed by veterinarians and examined for emerging patterns before authorities determine whether intervention is necessary.
“This would enable suspected cases to be documented, veterinary findings to be assessed and emerging patterns to be identified.
“Effective policy must be supported by reliable evidence, not assumptions.“
He also said reliable reporting would also help distinguish illnesses potentially associated with polluted air from other common conditions affecting street animals, including infections and untreated underlying diseases.
Kalaivanan said without such information, authorities would struggle to assess the severity of the problem, identify vulnerable animal populations and determine where limited veterinary resources should be directed.
He added that the proposed system should go beyond recording suspected deaths to identify early warning signs and coordinate assistance for animals requiring treatment.
He also said for SAFM, the immediate concern was not whether an animal health crisis could already be declared, but whether Malaysia had adequate mechanisms to detect one before it escalated.
Kalaivanan said stronger cooperation between government agencies, veterinarians and rescue organisations would allow animal health concerns to be assessed more systematically, particularly during prolonged periods of unhealthy air quality.
“Malaysia must recognise animal welfare as an integral part of environmental health and emergency preparedness.“ –