Every day, with the help of Social Media – we will be reading news about animals’ cruelties. There were even visuals and videos of unimaginable cruelties inflicted by humans towards these helpless animals. Bottom line, animal cruelties are on the rise and most of us are aware of this.

Malaysia's Animals Act of 1953 is the country's major piece of animal welfare legislation. Under the newly revised act, any person commits an offense of animal cruelty, from beating, kicking, ill-treating, torturing, infuriating or terrifies any animal can be charged a hefty fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000, a maximum jail term of three years, or even both.

But still, this does not deter the abusers from committing the crime.

It is reported that dogs and cats make up about 90% of animal cruelty cases reported to the Veterinary Services Department (DVS).

BUT WHY IS THIS STILL NOT EFFECTIVE?

Because the process of getting the perpetrator charge is not only weak and requires improvement, thus giving the perpetrator the opportunity to walk away free and make a mockery of the existing law. They feel superior and untouchable.

REMEMBER THESE CASES? These are just some of it (Click to read news).

Dog arrowed case (2014) ​

Dog poisoned case in Seremban (2018)​

Dog poisoned case in Shah Alam (2018)​

Foreigners eats dogs in Melaka (2016)

WHAT HAPPEN TO THE ABUSERS / KILLERS? WHY WERE THERE NO FOLLOW UP NEWS?

There were even cases where Municipal Councils take matters into their hands by engaging greedy dog catchers to catch & kill as many strays (and rewarding them with each dead bodies) that they even have the audacity to shoot dogs that are in a compound of somebody’s home. This is NOT the first time it happens.

News HERE.

Members of the public had also highlighted their concern in their open letter in the media (SEE THIS).

Only very few cases made it to headlines where the perpetrator gets fined or punished. And why aren’t there any feedback from the new Ministry in charge in regards to the issue? Is this issue is not as important? Is this what we are trying to show to the younger generation that matters like these doesn’t deserve our attention to act upon?

Not long ago, according to Department Director-General Datuk Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam, he quoted in The Star (11 Mar 2018) that:

“Trying to prove cruelty is not as easy as it sounds. We have to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. We are trying to improve evidence gathering. But at the same time, we need full cooperation from the public...”

“Those who wish to lodge complaints should be as specific as possible. Otherwise, we will have problems building a case,” he says, adding that the identity of complainants will be confidential while video or photographic evidence will strongly aid a case.

MOST OF THE TIME THE REPORTED CASES ALREADY HAVE VIDEO OR PHOTO EVIDENCES AS PROOF HOWEVER THIS IS STILL NOT ENOUGH TO CHARGE THE ABUSERS / PERPETRATOR.

Question is:

1. Why are there no regular surprise checks to shops that sells animals to ensure that they are managed well / cared for OR to ensure that they come from licensed breeders? Did the enforcement team probe the sellers and check their licenses?

2. Why are there no regular surprise checks around neighborhoods to ensure that their pets are not confined in small cages or chained 24/7?

3. Why are there no regular surprise visits to the open market to see if vendors are selling the animals ethically or with license? (eg: Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu, etc)

4. Why are there no regular checks on construction sites to ensure the foreigners did not hurt or kill strays as food, to educate whomever that hires them that we have law in our country that these foreigners MUST abide/respect.

What exactly does the Enforcement Team in DVS do?

From household pets to animals in the zoo to wildlife, ARE WE DOING ENOUGH TO STOP ANIMAL CRUELTIES? Why is it hard for us humans to learn to co-exist with animals? 

Join us in our petition for change, share with us your thoughts and solutions on how our Government can revisit this matter and enforce the Ministry Of Agriculture to be more proactive and efficient in enforcing the law. 

Here's what we hope to achieve with this petition:

1. We want to hear from the Government/Ministry on what are their plans and actions in addressing this. We believe that there were many proposals and petitions submitted to the relevant ministries and agencies on this issues previously - but the development has been very slow. 

2. We want to see MORE awareness and campaign on the ground. To include animal welfare into the existing education to teach our young children. To host various awareness events.

3. To speedy up investigation and round up reported abusers/cases and charge them accordingly. Punishments must include educating the perpetrators on animal welfare education, to volunteer at animals shelters OR be involved in animal rescue missions to EDUCATE THEM so they can reflect on their action. Putting them in jail without giving them a taste of their medicine doesn't open their minds/hearts to not repeat the action again when they are released.

Something to think about: What's holding up with the progress of deploying the enforcement team to the field and get cracking on animals abuse and neglect?

There is no two ways to enforce an act, its is either go or no-go. To hesitate means that one is not serious in meting out the act/law to punish or reprimand abusers or perpetrators. 

Our hope is to gather as much as 7,000 signatures & support with this petition. If we don't continue to speak up and highlight this matter, how then can we push for improvement or change?

Animals lives are just as valuable as us Humans, though they are of different form and exist for different purposes.