Lawmaker appeals for more effective stray management policy

In a recent written enquiry, Lawmaker Ron Lam calls on authorities to adopt trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs instead of the current trap-neuter-adopt (TNA) strategy for managing the growing stray animal population.

According to Lam, stray dogs, once mostly confined to the hillside and more “rural” areas, are increasingly being seen on busy roads. He also highlighted that the SAR government has not set specific goals and policies for dealing with the problem of stray animals in Macau.

Official figures from the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM), cited by the lawmaker, show a 30% rise in captured animals in 2024 compared to 2023, and a 65% increase from 2022. Moreover, Lam highlights that the IAM recently altered how it publishes data – switching from species-specific counts to chip registration status – making it difficult to track trends or assess the effectiveness of current policies.

Lam enquires, “will IAM re-upload the complete statistical records of the previous years and publish more and more complete raw data so that the public can understand the current situation and changing trends of animals in Macau?”

The lawmaker cites stagnant animal adoption rates, averaging 300 cats and 200 dogs annually over six years, contrasted with a doubling of euthanized animals since 2019. Raising questions about the humane treatment and long-term control of the stray population, Lam requested that clear reduction targets be set, that comprehensive data be published on a regular basis, and the TNR pilot project for cats promised in 2022 be restarted.

In response, the IAM states its TNA approach adopted for stray animals is aligned with global animal health guidelines.

It added that this method can effectively balance between animal welfare and public safety. The IAM cited ongoing efforts including law enforcement, shelter improvements, education, and promoting responsible pet ownership.

The bureau acknowledged that some stray animals succumb to untreated health issues but stressed that euthanasia is a last resort, applied only after veterinary assessment for animals with serious contagious diseases or injuries.

The bureau also explained its data reorganization aims to improve public clarity and pledged to enhance cooperation with animal protection groups to optimize stray animal management.

For reference, TNR aims to stabilize and gradually reduce feral populations by preventing reproduction while maintaining the stray animal’s role in controlling pests and minimizing nuisance behaviours. Whereas TNA emphasizes adoption and removal, TNR prioritizes humane population control through return and ongoing community management, especially for cats that are not socialized and unlikely to adapt to home environments