Macau lacks conditions to implement TNR program for stray animals

The core principle of “Trap, Neuter, Return” is to avoid euthanasia and give every dog a fair chance at survival, but despite persistent advocacy from local animal welfare groups for its implementation, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has reiterated that Macau currently lacks the conditions to fully execute the TNR program for stray animals across all districts.

In Macau, Zoe Tang, president of the animal rights protection group Anima Macau, has repeatedly urged the local government to implement a TNR policy for stray animals instead of TNA (Trap-Neuter-Adopt).

In various interviews with both Chinese- and English-language media, she highlighted that under TNA, stray animals are neutered but placed up for adoption rather than returned to their original locations. This approach has contributed to an increase in Macau’s stray dog population, creating a mismatch between capture and adoption rates that often results in euthanasia.

Tang acknowledged that the government had previously discussed a pilot TNR program for cats with animal welfare groups, which would involve volunteers trapping stray animals in designated areas, transporting them for sterilization, and then releasing them back into their communities.

However, challenges such as volunteer coordination, time constraints, and limited government resources ultimately hindered agreement among stakeholders, leading to the suspension of the TNR pilot program.

Reviewing past records, lawmakers have repeatedly urged authorities to implement TNR programs, but no such measures have been enacted. Just last month, the proposal resurfaced in the Legislative Assembly, with lawmaker Leong Hong Sai submitting a written inquiry questioning how the authorities could effectively enforce regulations to restore an ideal community environment.

In response to Leong, the Municipal Affairs Bureau emphasized its ongoing commitment to addressing the root causes of stray animals.

“The bureau has been implementing multi-faceted policy measures – including law enforcement, patrols, trapping, legal education campaigns, adoption promotion, and sterilization initiatives – to reduce and manage stray animal populations at their source,” it said.

It further stated that, given Macau’s high population density, a review of international experiences and careful consideration of impacts on residents’ lives, mountain forest ecosystems, public health, and other factors indicate that Macau currently lacks the conditions to implement a comprehensive TNR program for stray animals across all districts.

Regarding the case raised by Leong about reports from residents of Hac Sa Village concerning households sheltering nearly 70 dogs, which has led to nighttime noise disturbances and raised concerns about community safety, the IAM statement – citing the police force’s response –indicated that if stray dogs are found to be affecting community safety, the relevant authorities will be notified immediately for follow-up action.

Additionally, any requests for assistance or reports of noise disturbances from pets within private residences during designated quiet hours will be promptly addressed in accordance with local law.

The IAM president, Chao Wai Ieng, addressed the topic of TNR as early as the Legislative Assembly’s policy debate session in late November.

He emphasized the bureau’s commitment to collaborating with animal welfare groups to implement practical methods for controlling stray animal populations. At that time, Chao cited data highlighting the effectiveness of the current TNA policy, noting a 5.6% decrease in the number of stray animals captured this year compared to the same period last year, while adoption figures remained stable.