Lam Thye
SANDAKAN: Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) patron Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said that local authorities are in most cases unkind to strays.
“It has clearly shown that standard operating procedures for the catching of strays have not been complied with by many local authorities and the treatment of strays it appears is left to the whims and fancies of those dog catchers.
“Many local authorities do not have their own pounds to keep the strays and to care of them. This is most regrettable. All local authorities must provide pounds for stray animals,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Welcoming the Sabah Animal Concern Team for conducting a Trap, Neuter and Release campaign in Kudat on Tuesday to reduce the number of stray dogs in the district, he described the move as a step in the right direction.
Lee said it would be a more humane approach to reduce the strays rather than shooting them in public.
According to him, there are also cases where strays get injured after being hit by running vehicles or who fall sick which need help and attention.
Lee stressed that Malaysia needs an animal welfare policy if it is to be a developed, caring and compassionate nation and it needs to commit itself to implement international animal welfare standards strengthened by universal human values.
This is the reason why animal activitists have been advocating for the introduction of an Animal Welfare Bill to be passed by Parliament as soon as possible.
Malaysia needs to build a system of surveillance, detection and tracking in animal welfare to prevent animal abuse and ill-treatment, he added.
“Everyday animals are neglected, abused and forced to struggle for survival. Left in conditions without food and water they have little hope of survival as they live out their days without the compassion they deserve.
“Some are found and rescued while many others are not so fortunate. This is further compounded by the ill-treatment of strays by the employees of local authorities who mete out cruel and inhumane treatment on them,” he said.
Lee said the frequent reports of the mistreatment of animals by dog catchers employed by the local authorities is a case in point.
“Such cruel treatment to the strays is totally unacceptable in a civilised society. It must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
“Any form of brutality against strays must not be tolerated and the relevant authorities must put a stop to such ill-treatment of animals,” he said.
To grow as a nation, he said we have to be compassionate to all animals as they are part of our planet and we must prevent cruelty to animals.
“Animal lovers can do their part to stop inhumane treatment by adopting unwanted animals and help re-home them and ensure their survival.
“The public should also be reminded that owning pets is a huge responsibility and need to treat their pets as companions for life. Be with them through good and bad times. Love them and be loved unconditionally. Do not abandon them and aggravate the stray problem,” he said.