(MY) amend law for more bite

[Guest guest]

The Malay Mail - 18th Oct 2005

 

Govt urged to amend law for more bite

MOHD YAAKOB YUSOF

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18

--

 

Animals lovers and non-governmental organisations have urged the

Government to amend the Animal Ordinance 1953 to give it more bite.

 

They said the RM100 fine imposed on Lien Chong San, 46, who abandoned

his seven-year old German Shepherd, Sheena, at a house in Subang Jaya,

was too little and not effective.

 

Dr John Satyamoorthy, 45, a veterinarian from Cheras, who is also a

Malaysia Association for Responsible Pet Ownership Protem chairman,

said the Government should increase the fine to RM5,000.

 

" It is the only way to prevent this from recurring.

 

" A stiffer punishment will deter others from doing the same, " he said.

 

" The Government should also organise more campaigns to get the public

to be more responsible with the animals, just like promoting a caring

society. "

 

Jasbir Singh, 55, a security manager from Damansara, said the

punishment is not commensurate with the act.

 

" The punishment should be higher as he made the dog suffer. Once you

adopt a pet, you must be responsible and spend time with it. Having a

pet requires commitment as animals also need attention, " said Jasbir,

adding that the punishment meted out to him showed that the dog's life

is only worth RM100.

 

" If the owner has a problem with the pet, they should go to any

veterinary clinic or animal association for advice rather than

abandoning them without food or shelter. "

 

Rose Diana, 57, a housewife from Shah Alam, said the Government should

mete out stiffer penalties against irresponsible pet owners.

 

" It is even better if a jail sentence is mandatory, " she said.

 

" Offenders can be jailed up to six months but it has never been used

to the maximum. "

 

Nirmala, 30, a clerk from Cheras, said there are many cases of abandoned dogs.

 

" Most of the cases are of children being attacked by neglected dogs.

It is the pet owner's fault. Owners should be trained before they can

adopt pets, " she said.

 

" Taking care of animals is like caring for a child. If you want to

adopt the animals, you should be fully prepared. Owners should treat

animals like family members and give them shelter, food and love. "