giraffes, camesl, cruelty, alsatian dog case,

December 2, 2000

Letter to Editor - The Star Nov 27 2000

The news about the escaped giraffes which were later killed has angered many

animal lovers. Several giraffes escaped from the A Famosa Golf Resort and

hid in forests nearby. What does this tell us? As an animal lover, I'm

against the handling of the animals in such a manner. Are they not lives?

It is sad that the animals were killed in an attempt to recapture them. Why

did they escape? It is inexcusable to put the blame on stress of their

deaths. Some were found dead while in the cage. This leads to several

questions. How are the animals cared for? Do the operators have the

expertise? Is the environment conducive for them? They way they were

handled haphazardly shows that the resort does not know what it is doing.

They bring experts from South Africa to accompany the animals but what will

happen to the animals when the experts leave?

Many would agree that in order to run a safari park it is necessary for the

operator to have the expertise, equipped with a professional team to care

for the animals.

These are wild animals and they require professional care. I'm surprised

that the managing director claimed he did not know about it. He should act

responsibly.

I read that the animals almost escaped onto a public road. I hope there

will be no accident involving human lives.

The animals must be placed in an environment where they can grow. If not,

this should be left to the zoo. How could the authorities overlook such a

thing? How did the resort get the approval? Does the operator meet the

criteria for operating a safari park?

We don't need operators who bring this kind of attraction mainly for

commercialisation. We hope the authorities will look into this. Who would

be accountable for the animals deaths? What if more are brought in and they

too face the same fatal consequences? - ANIMAL ACTIVISTS, Kuala Lumpur.

A Press statement - The Sun

SAM is absolutely outraged and disturbed to learn about the deaths of the

three baby giraffes at the A Famosa Golf Resort Safari Park in Alor Gajah,

Malacca yesterday and calls for an immediate inquiry into this gruesome

episode. It is learnt that the six baby giraffes were brought into the

country from South Africa and the three died while trying to escape from the

park whilst the other three suffered serious injuries. SAM wants to know

why the authorities had to bring these giraffes into the country and put

them under so much of stress just for the purposes of entertainment. It was

the stress of being transported from one country to another, the long flight

and the non-acclimatisation to the conditions of this country that led these

harmless and helpless giraffes to break free and die in the process. The

authorities and parties concerned in transporting animals long distance

should have exercised proper skill and care in handling these sensitive

animals. This whole episode just goes to show how inefficient and

lackadaisical the parties concerned were in handling the giraffes. SAM feels

that the parties concerned should have realized that these animals need to

be acclimatised before they are released into the park. It seems quite

obvious that the safari staff before tranquilizing these giraffes failed to

ascertain that the area where the giraffes were released was devoid of any

danger or of any obstruction. How long more will it take before

Malaysians learn that animals are meant to be free and not meant to be

captured and used as show pieces? SAM calls for the immediate stoppage of

all transportation of exotic animals from country to country for the

purposes of circuses, zoos, safari parks and private keeping. Further, SAM

also calls for a full inquiry into this whole saga and all those involved in

the cruelty to the baby giraffes should be taken to task. SAM is also aware

that other state governments are considering having safari parks or

variations of the concept in their respective states. In view of this sad

episode, SAM urges the respective state authorities to seriously reconsider

this idea and ban the existence of any man-made animal parks or the like,

purely for entertainment and profit.

Letter to The New Straits Times - Penang -

urging the authorities to keep a watchful eye on all establishments that

keep animals for sale, exhibition, scientific experiments, sports or simply

for pleasure to ensure that the animals are not neglected. Even among the

best zoos in the country there are areas that need to be improved,

especially veterinary care, handling by workers and dietary considerations.

A visit to the country's top three zoos namely Zoo Negara, the Taiping Zoo

and the Malacca Zoo, would show that even though the animals are well

treated, some of them from non-tropical countries seem to fare worse than

those from the tropics. Skin diseases, nutritional deficiencies,

orientation problems and boredom seem to be obvious among the non-tropical

inmates. Those that are kept in mini zoos and private parks are even worse

off with many of the animals living in unsanitary, non-conducive, cramped,

unsuitable and pitiful conditions. Due to an obvious lack of funds,

expertise, manpower, knowledgeable and dedicated staff and faced with

mounting expenses, mini zoos and private ones should not be allowed to

operate. Some of the animals seen in these places would be better off in the

wild where nature meant them to be. Those in aviaries, pet shops and

aquariums are among the worst treated. Some birds are confined to plastic

cages by the hundreds and many of these " death traps " are fit only for a

dozen or so. In many of these cages one can see dead and dying birds being

trampled by healthier ones. Unkempt puppies suffering from malnutrition are

a sore sight and many birds have lost their lustre due to lengthy spells

under unhygienic conditions. The authorities should do away with pet shops

and similar premises.

The Sun:

Talks of relocating the National Zoo has surfaced. There had been attempts

in the past but these had never been successful. One of the main reasons for

this was that many people preferred the Zoo to remain in Ulu Klang so it was

near enough for them to visit without having to travel far as the case may

turn out if, as proposed to Sepang in the south. On the other hand the

reasons for shifting the zoo is that land is at a premium in Selangor and

the zoo is occupying a very large chunk of it. Such choice land is every

developer's dream. Years back attempts to develop the hinterland behind the

Zoo led to a public uproar which provoked intervention from the Sultan of

Selangor. But this did not prevent housing estates from sprouting all around

the immediate perimeter of the zoo, hemming it in. Residents live not only

with the noise of cars but also sounds of wild animals. It could be that

land-use consideration are mainly behind the decision taken to relocate. As

far as welfare of animals is concerned, many decisions affecting them are

human centred and do not consider their interests - which should have a

clear priority over the others. The fact that houses were allowed to be

built right next to the zoo already show that the interests and well being

of the animals within had not been adequately protected. Thus there are

crucial issues to be addressed in this move to relocate the zoo from the

point of view of the animals' safety and welfare. Will they be able to

withstand stress? Death injury and disease will be constant threats. Will

the new environment be able to satisfy the diverse requirements of each and

every species and will they adapt quickly? Will there be more space for them

to live and for the Zoo to expand? Crucially will gate revenues upon which

the welfare of the animals indirectly depends, be adequate to accomplish

this objective, since the long distance deter visitors?

Letter to New Straits Times

Malaysia has seen rapid development in all sectors, be it politics, society,

economics, science, sports or arts.

However, it is sad to note that despite these achievements, we are somewhat

slow to respond to issues concerning animal welfare.

Reports and incidents of animal neglect and cruelty over the years have

somewhat escalated. One has only to visit animal welfare organisations such

as the SPCA or read the papers to find out how cruel man can be to animals.

It is unimaginable what fate would befall these poor creatures if not for

the dedication of animal welfare organisations.

It is estimated that hundreds of the other forms of cruelties to animals go

unreported in the country. Animals are being subjected to all forms of

suffering either deliberate or through sheer ignorance. The root cause of

all these sufferings is the lack of awareness among members of the public on

the subject of animal welfare. To make matters worse our toothless archiac

animal ordinance carried a RM200 fine for the heinous act of cruelty to

animals. This is simply outdated and makes a mockery of the law.

On behalf of all animal lovers in the country, I appeal to the authorities

to speed up the promised amendments to the Animal Ordinance 1953.

Perhaps the various animal welfare groups, SPCAs and universities should be

roped in to give their views on the amendments before they are tabled.

The Government should also consider allocating special funds or incentives

to well managed animal welfare organisations.

The Star 29 Nov.

A senior lawyer alleged to have committed cruelty to a 13 year old German

Shepherd, wanted the case against to proceed yesterday despite the

prosecution's offer to withdraw the case.

His counsel told magistrate that Wong was determined to get to the root of

the complaint and clear his name " once and for all. "

Wong of Jalan Meranti Tanjung Toking, Penang, who has been in the legal

profession since 1973, was alleged to have committed cruelty by abandoning

the dog at a house in Tanjong Tokong on Feb 9.

He was alleged to have committed the offence under the Animal Ordinance l953

which carries a maximum RM200 fine and six months' jail.

Prosecuting officer from the state Vet Department had earlier told the court

that he received instructions from the public prosecutor's office to

withdraw the case against Wong. He was acquitted and discharged.

The Star - Letter on Bird nesting

Manjung the once peaceful town in Perak is now caught up with the current

frenzy in bird nesting activities. The bird nest industry can become an

important industry in Manjung if properly controlled and monitored. In fact,

the consumption of bird nest should be promoted. But the rights of all must

be respected as the bird nesting activity has certainly raised the ire of

locals. As most of these premises are currently located in or facing

residential areas, problems will inevitably surface.

The three main issues are: * the intolerable level of noise pollution - the

playing of round the clock programmed loud chirping to lure the birds into

their artificail premises from 6.30am to 8.15pm daily. Due to mushrooming

of new premises and inaction on the part of the authorities, the noise gets

louder and longer.

* Safety and the by laws - residents are worried about their safety. Big

unsightly structures with two big black holes are sitting precariously on

top of three and four storey buildings.

Many are on top of restaurants. What if they collapse?

*The health aspect - Bird premises could also attract a lot of other bird

species which could possibly pose a serious threat to our health.

The decision makers at the district level, the Science, Technology and

Environment Ministry, Housing Ministry and Health Ministry will only

understand the gravity of the situation if they are also affected. The

authorities should be more pro-active in dealing with this problem by

promoting bird nesting in the outskirts. They make lots of money and

trouble no one. Truly a win-win situation.

The Sun -

The tiger population is down from 3000 in 1960 to less than 500 now. Tigers

are now forced to move to the fringes of jungles and prey on domestic

livestock. The destruction of thick forests has also made it easier for

poachers to track down and kill this splendid animal. Most of the 500 are

confined to the forest reserves, that total 750 000ha or 6% of the total

land area in the peninsular. At the rate the tigers are dying, few have any

chance of survival beyond 2020, claim other experts. Currently there is no

conservation strategy for tigers, as there are for turtles and birds.

The Malacca Zoo is the only place which has a captive breeding programme for

tigers but there are no plans to release any of the tiger cubs back into the

wild. This is because there is no suitable forest area which will ensure

the tiger gets proper food and shelter said Siva director of National Parks

and Wildlife Protection Department. Poaching is another reason for the

depleting tiger population and penalties against poaching are ridiculously

low. Section 94 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 provides for a maximum

fine of RM3 000 or a year's jail or both on conviction. In the black market

a dead tiger is worth well over RM50 000.

The Wildlife Department has noted three urgent factors which need constant

attention to ensure the tiger survives: the availability of tiger prey.

This has been ensured through the protection of animals such as deer and

wildlboar under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

Resolution of tiger human conflicts especially those involving livestock.

These have been investigated and the tigers concerned driven back into the

forest to avoid any retalition by the people.

Protection of tiger habitats. Attempts are being made to ensure tiger

habitats are kept intact, with the existing protected areas system and

permanent forest estates.

Information about tigers in our backyard has not improved. The Wildlife

Department has always said it lacks staff and wants universities to do

research - but research has always been driven by more profitable

interests. In the final count it is a shameful situation. Nothing is done

to stop the dramatic decline of our tigers in the wild.

Zoo Malacca is the only place in the world that has a captive breeding

programme for the tiger. Since 1963, a total of 43 cubs were born and later

transferred to local zoos and others overseas. Under this prograamme the

zoo has 14 adult tigers - 8 females and 6 males. But the tragic flaw is

that none of the cubs will ever be released into the wild because there is

no suitable forest area to provide them with shelter and food they need. A

lot of tiger habitat has been converted into agricultural land.

Snake Feat

The Minister of Science, Technology and Environment has put an end to

future snake related record attempts. The directive follows complaints from

various local and foreign NGOs that a feat done by a girl in Kelantan was

deemed cruel.

Poison-Proof Pet Dogs

Dog owners can poison-proof their pets with meat that is mildly charged with

electricity using a transformer. As meat is a good conductor, the flow

voltage would shock the dog when it takes a bite. This would tric the dog

into refusing to take meat from strangers in future as the mental picture of

being electrocuted had been planted in its mind said a Malaysian Kennel

Association secretary. He said if the dog is a glutton the method would be

useless. To ensure success he said the dog's feeding pattern would have to

be changed. Also a dispenser to let dogs have access to food the whole day

would have to be installed.

Sabah Wildlife

The Sabah Wildlife Department may review its presence at Sipadan in the

aftermath of a hostage taking episode where four of its workers were

abducted by gunmen. The department's presence are confined to a 15.l5m by

9.09m size turtle hatchery and the protection of green turtles and their

eggs. The hatchery is a research project to determine if there has been a

change in the landing pattern of the turtles and if they were migrating

elsewhere. The project was started in 1989 and in 1997, the workers began

transferring turtle eggs to the hatchery to prevent their destruction by

other wildlife and human collectors. The total egg collection can reach

about 5000 a month. Turtle eggs can fetch 50 to 80 sen each in wet markets,

although possession and sale is an offence under the Wildlife Conservation

Enactment. Pulau Selingan and Pulau Gulisan both have hatcheries near

Sandakan for the green and hawksbill turtles.