(MY) SPCA rescues mistreated dog

[Guest guest]

SPCA rescues mistreated dog - New Straits Times

Sumitha Martin

 

MALACCA, 15th Dec 2005

--

 

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and a

concerned citizen went to the rescue of a maggot-infested dog

belonging to a woman in Tengkera yesterday.

The dog, which is believed to have been tied and caged for a year in

the compound of a single-storey terrace house in Jalan Lorong Pandan,

had several gaping wounds on its body.

 

" It was in a very bad condition and would have died in a few days, "

said Vincent Low, SPCA Malacca branch chairman, who visited the house

in the afternoon after a tip-off from animal lover Paul Jesudasan.

 

" Fortunately, I managed to persuade the owner to surrender the dog to

us, " said Low, adding the association did not have the authority to

confiscate mistreated animals.

 

The dog, believed to be a mixed breed and under three years old, was

treated with antibiotics and is in the care of association

veterinarian A. Jayaseelan, who told the New Straits Times today that

" it is eating well and this is a good sign " .

 

Low described the case as one of ignorance. " The owner said she had

kept the dog tied because neighbours told her that dogs within house

compounds needed to be leashed. "

 

The woman also claimed that the dog's wounds were the result of being

bitten by a baboon.

 

Three adult and one baby baboons were also found in cages in the premises.

 

" We will be contacting the wildlife authorities to deal with this

situation as it is beyond our jurisdiction, " said Low, who also saw a

caged Rottweiler " which was well kept " .

 

Low said the association would not be recommending prosecution of the

owner as " we do not have enough evidence and this is one of hundreds

of cases of ignorance " .

 

" We have warned the owner that we will be keeping an eye on her, " he said.