Brutal killing of dogs in Kuala Lumpur

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Sunday Mail 22 April 2001 - Brutal Killing of Dogs in Taman Bukit Kajang,

Kuala Lumpur.

 

What a paradox! At least, six people were said to have come to the aid of

Madam Tan Sat Li, 86, when she was being mauled by three dogs on April 14.

However, many stood by and watched a man brutally bludgeoned the dogs to

death after stringing them up on the main gate of his house.

What's more, a reporter quoted in The Malay Mail as saying that two

policemen also stood by and watched the gruesome event without attempting to

stop the public execution of the dogs. The three dogs were reportedly

bludgeoned to death with a hammer and strung up at the gate. That act was

simply inhumane.

Neighbours who were so willing to talk about their role in the rescue of

Md, Tan were tightlipped when they were asked by The Malay Mail to identify

the culprit responsible for killing the dogs. The Selangor Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to date, has failed to contact the

owner of the dogs, despite going to his house several times. Selangor SPCA

committee member Christine Chin said the society felt deep sympathy for the

victim but was appalled at the way the dogs were killed.

She was also surprised at the attitude of the neighbours who stood by and

watched the gruesome killing. Chin attributed the April 14 incident to

irresponsible pet ownership. " Dogs attacking in a pack are always more

aggressive but we believe, the three dogs should have been put down in a

more humane manner, " she added. Chin said that dogs usually turn aggressive

and vicious when they were ill-treated and not properly trained. " The final

act of brutality in the way the dogs were killed, sheds some light on the

way the dogs were trained and treated.

She said the Veterinary Services Department and the SPCA would bring the

culprit who killed the dogs to justice.

Malaysian Kennel Association (MKA) president Datuk Fonseka said it's all in

the upbringing. Responsible owners begets good caring citizens,

irresponsible ones don't. Pure and simple. He said dogs might be induced

into aggression if they were not brought up properly or subjected to

conditions which were detrimental to their well-being. This includes

confinement, or being praised when they bite, the latter action giving them

the wrong signals.

What the law says: There are several provisions to prosecute a person

suspected of being cruel to animals or for negligence in respect of their

animals. A police source said for the brutal killing of animals, the case

could be classified as mischief under Section 429 of the Penal Code, by

killing or maiming any animal to the value of RM25.

Under this provision, a person can be sentenced to imprisonment for a

maximum of five years or a fine, or both.

A lesser, much criticised as being outdated, provision is the Animal

Ordinance Act 1953 which cites cruelty to animals as an offence punishable

with a fine of RM200 or six months jail. In the case of dogs attacking

innocent passers-by the owner could be charged under Section 289 of the

Penal Code for negligence in respect of animals, a conviction which carried

with it, imprisonment of a maximum fine of RM2000.

Specific sections of Section 13(ii) on owners needing to ensure that

licensed dog do not stray and Section 14(i) which reads that the owner is

guilty should a licensed dog chase, attack or bite any person, whether or

not there is injury. The offences carries a maximum jail term of one year

or a maximum fine of RM2 000 each. Ulu Langat police chief, Assistanct

Commissioner Zakaria Abdul Hamid acknowledges that there are two aspects of

the Taman Bukit Kajang case.

Firstly, is the owner is criminally liable for letting the dogs on the loose

which led to the mauling of 86 year old Md. Tan.

Secondly, the brutal manner the dogs were killed.

Zakaria said the case has been referred to the officer in charge of criminal

investigation at the Selangor police headquarters in Shah Alam.

A spokesman from the Selangor Veterinary Department said they were waiting

for the outcome of the police investigation before deciding on their next

course of action.

 

If you need to email the reporter her name is Neville Spykerman and her

email is neville

 

 

Letter to editor - Dog's aggression made worse by brutal treatment. By

Christine Chin, SPCA, Selangor.

 

I refer to the news report that an 86 year old woman was attacked by three

dogs and how the animals were subsequently killed. The lethal combination

of two rottweilers and a doberman and an obviously brutal and negligent

person led to this sad incident. Rottweillers and dobermans are not

categorised as " dangerous dogs " , only pitbulls are. However, their

aggressive behaviour can be aggravated by brutal treatment and provocative

training. The final act of brutality (the way the dogs were killed) throws

some light on the way the dogs were trained and treated.

The Veterinary Services Department and the SPCA will bring the person to

justice. The owner is as much to blame as his dogs. The SPCA always

educates the public on responsible pet ownership. Section 44 (Part IV) of

the Animal Ordinance l953 cites cruelty to animals as an offence punishable

with a fine of RM200 and/or six months in jail.

 

 

Letter to editor from Kuala Lumpur -New Straits Times -16.4.01. on Dog

owners, know your responsibilities.

 

Quite a few letters have appeared recently about dogs. Reading them would

seem that there's no good reason why dogs should be allowed in the country

in the first place. After all, they appear to be good for nothing except to

annoy and attack innocent bystanders. The misbehaviour of many dogs further

aggravates this view. However, I am reluctant to attribute a dog's

misbehaviour to malice or deliberate mischief, these are almost uniquely

human talents. I believe there are no such things as bad dogs; only

unskilled handlers or owners who do not yet understand their

responsibilities. Many own a dog but don't understand its behaviour. We

don't train it and we wonder why it runs away when we tell it to come.

Doesn't matter if it terrorises the neighbourhood or soils the neighbour's

driveway.

This behaviour can only bring bad news. Already now it is difficult even

impossible to own a dog in Shah Alam or Putrajaya. If we keep this up, dogs

may be banished from all major towns. The most important contributor,

however, is you, the dog owner. What you do matters. How your dog behaves

as a result of your training and handling will affect the future of all dog

owners.

 

 

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