SANDAKAN, June 29 -- The Sandakan Municipal Council has ramped up efforts to tackle the town's stray dog population, capturing more than 600 dogs in recent operations.

However, the sudden success has created a new crisis.

The influx has overwhelmed the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Sandakan shelter, which is now operating far beyond its capacity and urgently calling for help.

Many of the captured dogs require immediate health checks, quarantine and medical treatment, but the shelter lacks adequate facilities, medicine and volunteer veterinarians.

Without proper care, there is an increased risk of disease outbreaks, which could force the authorities to resort to mass culling.

Overcrowding has made the situati...