(MY) - Pet abuse

[Guest guest]

Sunday November 13, 2005 - The Star

 

 

Too small fines for pet abuse

 

THE fines currently imposed on pet brutality are a " joke " . The few

hundred dollars are small change.

 

I am a pet lover and I owned two Irish Setters and a Yorkshire terrier

during my 30 years' stay in Britain. Fines imposed in Britain amount

to thousands of pounds depending on the seriousness of the situation.

 

The punishment extends to imprisonment and " a ban for life " on owning

any pet. This should be extended to Malaysia.

 

It will not only reduce the number of unwanted pets in the

neighbourhood but also improve the quality of life of " man's best

friend " .

 

If someone decides to own a pet, he should carry that responsibility

and accountability till the pet dies. If that cannot be executed, then

he should not own a pet.

 

It saddens me to see dogs chained up all day during my walks around

the neighbourhood (especially when the gates are closed). Dogs are

social animals and like to interact with humans.

 

In Britain, mistreatment of pets is often reported by neighbours to

the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and

the police who will descend promptly to investigate.

 

Mistreatment of pets is a big issue in Britain, where it is often

stated that " the dog looks like the owner " . This means that pet owners

select the breed that complements their lifestyle.

 

If you do not like walking the dogs, do not own one that needs a lot

of exercise, especially large dogs. Likewise, if you cannot be

bothered to keep the pet's skin healthy and its hair in a presentable

condition, go for a breed with short hair.

 

Basically, all potential pet owners should assess their lifestyle and

reasons for a pet before even looking at any breed.

 

A pet is a lifetime commitment and not " showroom merchandise " . Time is

needed to house-train the puppies and develop their social behaviour

with humans and other pets.

 

Pets are not to be used as an extension or display of one's wealth or

macho-ness.

 

 

 

Concerned Expatriate

Subang Jaya, Selangor