Guest guest Posted October 18, 2005 Report Share Posted October 18, 2005 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. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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