letters to editor from the Malaysian public on - do not compel dog owners to microchip; and preserve wildlife habitat

[Guest guest]

Letter to Editor - Re: Microchipping of dogs - The Star 8th Nov. 2001.

 

I refer to the proposed Bill requiring all dog owners to microchip their

animals.

 

I cannot bear to see dogs abandoned and fending for themselves on the streets

and in market places. To cut down on their numbers, I have often mingled with

people to remind them of their responsibility to neuter their pets.

 

Visits to the vet for vaccinations, check-ups and spaying are considered

burdensome. To be fair, some households find it hard to pay for the cost of the

operation.

 

In such an environment, the introduction of a measure aimed at preventing pet

thefts and establishing rightful ownership in the event of a loss, is surely

irrelevant.

 

It is good only for pedigree dog owners whose numbers are small compared to the

vast majority of households that own mixed and mongrel breeds.

 

I appeal to the authorities not to make the measure compulsory. Let it be

optional. Otherwise, I foresee an increase in the number of animals just turned

out of households because their owners will not microchop them.

 

 

 

Letter to Editor to " Preserve wildlife " - The Star 15th Dec. 2001

 

The recent trapping of two tiger cubs in Ipoh highlights the appalling way in

which we deal with wildlife in Malaysia.

 

Trapping the cubs, although not intentional and putting them in the Taiping Zoo

is a convenient and short-term solution to a larger problem.

 

I should say it was a blessing in disguise that the cubs were trapped first.

 

At least they will have a good chance of survival, albeit in an environment as

artificial as a zoo.

 

Had the mother of these cubs been trapped, as originally intended, the cubs

could have perished eventually, being too young to hunt for food. We would have

contributed to the statistics of their dwindling population. And I won't even

mention the trauma of being separated from their mother.

 

Does anyone have statistics about tiger survival in captivity? Enlighten me

please.

 

We must remember that in the first place, the tigers became a threat to the

villagers in Kampung Kerawat Baru because we have encroached upon their domain.

 

Having pillaged the forest which was their home, we have made food supply

scarce, forcing them to find alternative hunting grounds, which inevitably

brings them closer to human contact, endangering both species.

 

Tigers are wild animals. They do not belong in the zoo for our amusement.

 

Can we not look into a national/wildlife park that is not only a natural habitat

for these animals but also secluded enough that humans and tigers (and other

wildlife) no not encroach upon one another.

 

It's an uphill task, but with concerted effort by wildlife authorities, the

Government and non-governmental organisations, I am positive something

worthwhile is feasible.

 

Perhaps we can study how countries like Kenya and Tanzania maintain their world

famous wildlife parks.