Lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, who represents T Puspa Rani, said judicial commissioner Roslan Mat Noor fixed the date after hearing an ex parte submission whether leave ought to be granted.

“I submitted that there are merits in the leave application, as she has the locus standi to bring the action against the local authority,” he said in the proceeding, which was conducted virtually.

Rajesh said Puspa Rani is a long-time animal rights activist and had filed similar actions against other local governments.

Puspa Rani, who filed the application in April, wants the High Court to quash the council’s decision to announce a bounty for the killing or capture of the canines.

In the action, she wants all the dogs caught alive to be released into her care.

Puspa Rani also wants a prohibitory order against the council to ensure that no campaign of this nature is launched in the future.

She is also seeking damages for all the injuries suffered by the dogs so that the funds can be used for their care, medical treatment and rehabilitation.

According to Puspa Rani, it was undeniable that the dogs caught would inevitably be subject to cruel abuse, contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2015.

“In an attempt to get more money, it is foreseeable that even pet dogs may be ‘dognapped’ for RM40,” she said.

FMT in January reported that the local authority had postponed a stray dog catching campaign following an uproar by animal lovers on Facebook.

However, a representative from the council said its decision to call off the campaign, for now, was due to the movement control order.