February 09, 2009 Categories: Mailbox
The recent exposure of the heartless torture of strays under the care of KL City Hall is shocking. Even more so since it is from a government agency entrusted to set a good example for the rest of society.
For me, fighting for animal rights awareness is like fighting a never ending battle. At times I feel helpless. Sure there will be countless protests and petitions but the authorities and the culprits will forget them and months later, do it again.
Sadly, the general public is not fully aware of the legal consequences of cruelty towards animals because there is no enforcement of the law. Some are not even aware that such laws exist.
Our laws are outdated. The Animal Law Ordinance (1953) was passed in the 1950s. By paying a mere RM200 fine, one can get away with killing and torturing animals.
Hence, I would like to propose a nationwide media campaign just like the anti-smoking campaign.
In the anti-smoking campaign, gory pictures of the effects of smoking are carried in newspapers everyday to emphasise its importance.
Perhaps as a first step, the government could revise and update the existing laws on animal abuse.
They should then take this to the national level, and advertise the consequences of violations and non-compliance.
Strictly enforce the new rules at places like DBKL or any other government appointed agencies.
While seemingly drastic, I believe that all potential pet owners must be made to enroll in a compulsory, one-hour educational session with the SPCA to gauge their suitability.
Understanding the real responsibilities of owning a pet might cause some people to abandon the thought of buying a pet. This is far better than the heartless abandonment and neglect that some pets suffer.
Pet stores in the country must also be regulated.
The bottom line is, only better laws, stricter enforcement and harsh sentencing can result in an improved situation.
Angeline S. Chin
Kuala Lumpur
This article was taken from: the malay mail: news 9 february 2009
The recent exposure of the heartless torture of strays under the care of KL City Hall is shocking. Even more so since it is from a government agency entrusted to set a good example for the rest of society.For me, fighting for animal rights awareness is like fighting a never ending battle. At times I feel helpless. Sure there will be countless protests and petitions but the authorities and the culprits will forget them and months later, do it again.
Sadly, the general public is not fully aware of the legal consequences of cruelty towards animals because there is no enforcement of the law. Some are not even aware that such laws exist.
Our laws are outdated. The Animal Law Ordinance (1953) was passed in the 1950s. By paying a mere RM200 fine, one can get away with killing and torturing animals.
Hence, I would like to propose a nationwide media campaign just like the anti-smoking campaign.
In the anti-smoking campaign, gory pictures of the effects of smoking are carried in newspapers everyday to emphasise its importance.
Perhaps as a first step, the government could revise and update the existing laws on animal abuse.
They should then take this to the national level, and advertise the consequences of violations and non-compliance.
Strictly enforce the new rules at places like DBKL or any other government appointed agencies.
While seemingly drastic, I believe that all potential pet owners must be made to enroll in a compulsory, one-hour educational session with the SPCA to gauge their suitability.
Understanding the real responsibilities of owning a pet might cause some people to abandon the thought of buying a pet. This is far better than the heartless abandonment and neglect that some pets suffer.
Pet stores in the country must also be regulated.
The bottom line is, only better laws, stricter enforcement and harsh sentencing can result in an improved situation.
Angeline S. Chin
Kuala Lumpur
This article was taken from: the malay mail: news 9 february 2009
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