FWD: Put dogs on a leash

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This article is from The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my)

URL:

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2003/9/16/features/6194373 & sec=f\

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Tuesday September 16, 2003

Put dogs on a leash

 

 

WHILE I foresee no necessity for legislation to ban dangerous dogs in Malaysia,

I think it is time the authorities regulated the indiscriminate breeding and

sale of big dog breeds like Rottweilers and Dobermans. Many people do not

provide their pets with enough care and training and some even regard these dogs

as “macho accessories”.

 

Both in Rawang and SS2 PJ, I have encountered and been pursued by unleashed

Rottweilers that were let out of the house by their owners “for some exercise”

at night because they were too lazy to take them for leashed walks. I had not

lodged reports against the owners as I do not wish these dogs to be destroyed.

There is no such thing as a bad dog; there are only bad owners. Failure to train

one & #8217;s pet is a fault of the owner, not the pet.

 

While it is true that mongrels and dogs of other breeds could also attack

people, the sheer size, strength, speed and propensity to hunt and attack of

Rottweilers and Dobermans due to selective breeding make them a threat to people

like me when I am out walking my dog. Often, when these irresponsible dog owners

find that they are unable to handle their dogs, they surrender them to animal

shelters.

 

As an SPCA volunteer, I have often mourned the needless deaths of these dogs

that have to be put down because of the danger they pose to people and other

animals and because their lack of training makes it impossible for them to be

re-homed.

 

I therefore urge the authorities to crack down on the unlicensed breeding of

large working dogs like Rottweilers and Dobermans. All legally purchased dogs

must then be registered and attend obedience school.

 

Only homeowners who live in escape-proof properties with a reasonable-sized

compound may be permitted to purchase such dogs. Once outside secure private

dwellings, the dog must be on a leash at all times and if necessary, muzzled.

 

No person under the age of 16 should be permitted to walk these dogs. The law

should make it compulsory for any person without legal permit to breed and sell

dogs to sterilise his Rottweiler or Doberman.

 

Failure to comply with these laws should result in the confiscation of the

animal as well as a high fine. The current maximum RM2,000 fine under Section

289 of the Penal Code has too little a deterrent effect on pet owners whose dogs

have attacked people or other animals.

 

To make it fair to dog owners, a person who makes a false report of a dangerous

dog should also be punished and fined for committing a misdemeanour.

 

It is hoped that pet owners realize that the efficiency of a watchdog does not

depend on its breed. Mongrels make excellent watchdogs and are good-natured to

boot. Whatever the breed, all dogs should be kept in healthy and safe living

conditions. Since we depend on them for companionship and security, we owe them

a better life.

 

Wong Ee Lynn, Selangor

 

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