View: Management of condos must get rid of this petty ruling

Saturday August 15, 2009

I BOUGHT a three-month old Shihtzu when I was in college. I lived alone in a condominium with my dog, though there was a ruling that there ought to be "no pets" on high-rise

buildings. Everyone knew of this, but nobody really bothered. My puppy never gave anyone any problem and I received no complaint, either.

Now, I am working and have bought a condominium unit in Petaling Jaya. Although the usual rule of "no pets" applies here, too, I have seen and heard some of these animals.

My question is; if our immediate neighbours do not complain why then are pets not allowed? What are people like me supposed to do when we buy a condominium unit?

Most people do not have the money to buy landed property any more. Are we supposed to just dispose of our pets? What about the feelings of the animal even if owners find it a good home? And, what about the owner's feelings when giving it away?

Many who live in condominiums have cats, hamsters, mice, even rabbits and everyone turns a blind eye. But when it comes to small dogs there would be a big hue and cry. Why? If every owner needs to dispose of their pets because of some ruling, are the SPCA and PAWS ready to receive all of them? Can condominium management tell us, animal lovers, how to solve this problem?

ANIMAL LOVER,

Petaling Jaya.

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Opinion 15 August 2009