The Malaysian Insight

ANIMAL cruelty, especially towards dogs, remains serious, said the Malaysia Animal Association (MAA), which is offering a RM2,000 reward for information on a man caught on video shooting a stray dog with a hunting rifle.

The widely shared video is believed to have been filmed in Malaysia and shows the man from the back as he shoots at a dog in the vicinity of his house.

MAA president Arie Dwi Andika said it is against the law (Animal Welfare Act 2015) for any person to shoot animals using firearms unless authorised by veterinary authorities.

“Dog shootings and killings can only be done by local authorities on solid grounds, such as a rabies infection,” Arie said.

“Individuals have no right to shoot arbitrarily unless in circumstances that call for self-defence.

“Sometimes, there are naughty dogs that chase runners or riders who deliver goods.

“If (you need) to kill or to injure (the animal) for self-defence, do it only (to) the attacking dogs, not all of them,” Arie said. 

The recent dog-shooting case is not the first and there are reports, videos and photos in the past of other acts of cruelty against dogs.

Arie added that the primary causes for cruelty against dogs are religious sentiments and beliefs.

Change methods

There has also been public outcry against local councils that use the S-loop snare to catch stray dogs, a method that inflicts physical and psychological pain.

Unfortunately, Arie said, this method is common in other countries as it is the most effective. Other methods are often time consuming, as dogs are intelligent creatures.

He recommends that the government switch from looping to the netting method.

“There are several groups of animal rescuers who (catch) dogs using the netting method and it works.

“Perhaps the authorities can take steps that are pleasant and pleasing to the community and, ultimately, achieve a win-win solution.”

Earlier this year, the MMA raised the issue of pet-dumping, including of cats and dogs, which it estimated had tripled around Kuala Lumpur following the implementation of the movement-control order (MCO).

“Since the recovery MCO (in June), we have not heard many complaints of dumping.”

But there still are cases, Arie said, and people must remember that this is a crime under the Animal Welfare Act.

“It allocates a minimum fine of RM15,000 to a maximum of RM75,000. And a maximum imprisonment of up to two years.”

He also advised those who surrendering pets to animal shelters to give monetary contributions that match the submission.

“Malaysians, when they surrender their pets, expect it to be free. This culture has to change.

“For a cat, we recommend that they give between RM200 and RM300. This is for vaccination and spaying costs.

“Or, if the owner has already done the vaccination and spaying, then contribute to cover expenses like food.”

Many animal shelters find it difficult to sustain themselves due to a lack of financial help and are limited in their capacity to take in surrendered pets.

As for pet shops, Arie said, based on his knowledge, sales are not greatly affected as they can make enough revenue from selling pet food.

However, there is a decline in revenue from grooming and boarding services, especially since the shops must close during the MCO. – December 7, 2020.