Cover image via @shancool5 (TikTok)
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A signboard in Penang warning the public not to feed stray animals has been taken down following public outcry
A TikTok video of the sign, posted by user @shancool5 on 7 October, quickly went viral, garnering more than 160,000 views and nearly 3,000 comments.
The sign, which bore the logo of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), stated: "Giving food to stray animals is prohibited."
It featured illustrations of dogs, cats, and birds, and listed several reasons against feeding strays, including:
- It dirties the area
- It changes the animals' normal foraging habits
- Animals will dominate the area
- It increases the stray population
- It creates disturbances
The notice warned that those caught feeding animals could be fined up to RM500 under Section 47(1)(g) of the Street, Drainage, and Building Act 1974, which penalises acts that cause public nuisance.
Many social media users criticised the message, saying it was unfair to penalise people for helping hungry strays
"Where else are they going to find food?" one commenter wrote.
"In Islam, giving food to animals is a form of charity. I'll still feed them," said another.
However, just three days later, the same TikTok user shared an update, showing that the signboard had been removed
"The sign I posted before is gone today, someone threw it away. Thank you for removing it and to everyone who commented — I'm very touched that so many still care about street animals," they wrote.
According to the TikTok user's latest photo, the signboard was located in front of SJK (C) Phei Shin, along Jalan Bukit Dumbar in Jelutong, Georgetown.
It is not known who removed the sign — whether a member of the public or the authorities
SAYS has reached out to MPPP for comment regarding its stance on feeding strays and the removal of the signboard.
Section 47(1)(g) of the Street, Drainage, and Building Act 1974 does not explicitly prohibit feeding strays, but targets feeding that leads to hygiene or disturbance issues in public areas.
