A Humane Approach to Stray Dogs in Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam, the Abode of Peace, a country known for its pristine rainforests, rich oil reserves, and the practice of a pure form of Islamic life, confronts a significant societal issue: the ever-increasing stray dog population. Nothing new, but worth raising awareness on given the escalating problem.

Historically, stray dog population control in Brunei was managed by the municipal department under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Decades ago, methods such as blowpipes and poison were employed, reportedly by hired Iban workers, to curb the stray population. These approaches, though effective in reducing numbers, were abolished due to their inhumane nature. However, the absence of robust alternative measures has led to an uncontrolled surge in stray dogs, with estimates suggesting around 40,000–50,000 stray cats and dogs roam the Sultanate. This unchecked growth has resulted in increased incidents of stray-related accidents, attacks, and disease transmission, posing significant public health risks.

In Islamic teachings, dogs are often considered najis (impure), particularly due to their saliva, which requires ritual cleansing before prayer. However, Islam also emphasizes compassion and kindness toward all creatures. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “Every act of kindness is a form of charity,” underscoring the importance of humane treatment of animals. Dr. Md Hilmy Baihaqy, speaking at IGS College, noted that while neutering is generally discouraged in Islam unless necessary, it is permissible if it addresses harm (mudarat), such as environmental or health concerns caused by stray overpopulation. Thus, the stray dog issue in Brunei presents not only a practical challenge but also a moral and ethical dilemma that requires culturally sensitive solutions aligned with Islamic principles of ihsan (excellence in conduct).

Currently, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as PawsUp, Sejahtera Community, Care & Actions for Strays (CAS), and Love Paws Sanctuary are at the forefront of addressing this crisis through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) strategies, also known as Trap-Neuter-Release-Monitor (TNRM). TNR involves capturing stray dogs, sterilizing them to prevent reproduction, vaccinating them against diseases like rabies, and returning them to their original territories to live out their lives without contributing to population growth. PawsUp, founded by Jay Lau in 2021, has neutered over 600 strays since implementing its TNRM program, supported by a subscription model where the public can donate as little as B$2.99 per month to fund medical care and sterilization. Sejahtera Community, established in 2020 after a poignant incident involving a deceased puppy on Tutong Beach, focuses on both TNR and fostering community compassion, emphasizing responsible feeding to reduce aggression among strays.

Despite these efforts, NGOs face significant challenges. The scale of the stray population—estimated at 10% of Brunei’s human population—overwhelms their limited resources, manpower, and funding. CAS co-founder Ada Ang has highlighted that without a new approach, the situation risks spiraling out of control, as NGOs alone cannot stabilize the growing stray numbers. Additionally, cultural reservations among some Bruneian Malays, who may view dogs as impure or fear religious repercussions, hinder broader community participation in TNR and adoption initiatives. Pengiran Nooraini of Sejahtera Community notes a gradual shift in attitudes, with more Malay Muslims supporting stray welfare, but education remains critical to overcoming misconceptions about interacting with dogs.

This is where the role of government and policy-making becomes paramount. It’s time for Brunei Darussalam to consider adopting practices successfully used in other countries to control stray populations. This would involve capturing stray dogs and placing them in a pound where they could be cared for and potentially adopted. Something NGO’s like Pawsup and Sejahtera Community are doing with help from public volunteers and benefactors.

Undeniably, implementing such a system raises its own ethical issues. If dogs remain unadopted after a specified period, they are typically euthanized. Despite being a contentious issue, when approached with a view towards animal welfare, euthanasia is arguably more humane than leaving dogs to survive in the harsh conditions of the streets. Importantly, these pounds would not only provide a temporary refuge for the strays but also serve as hubs for potential adoption and public education on responsible pet ownership.

Yet, this is not a one-step solution. The effectiveness of this strategy is contingent upon parallel efforts to stimulate responsible pet ownership and community involvement. Public awareness campaigns on the importance of sterilizing pets, preventing abandonment, and humane treatment of animals are essential components of a comprehensive solution.

Moreover, aligning these practices with the cultural and religious sensibilities of the nation is a critical factor. Involving religious leaders and scholars in the dialogue to strike a balance between the teachings of Islam and the need to control the stray dog population can help in facilitating societal acceptance of these measures.

The stray dog issue in Brunei Darussalam necessitates a compassionate, effective, and sustainable solution. A multi-pronged strategy, combining public awareness, government policy, community engagement, and collaboration with NGOs, holds the key to managing this complex issue. Above all, it requires us to rethink our relationship with these animals, approaching the problem not as one of nuisance control, but as a shared responsibility towards the wellbeing of all creatures in our environment.