Good greetings to all!

We are glad that animal cruelty charges are now much more highlighted and this serves as an eye opener to the general public. At times, we get reports of owner-owned dogs left to roam outside the compound, chasing passersby and hurting people in the neighborhood. Quarrels happen between neighbours and relationships sour. We are sometimes requested to catch and have the dog taken away. SPCA is not empowered to perform such. We can only mediate and check wherever we can, and give advise on both the welfare of animals and humans. Again, the public would be advised to visit the portal to report of any incident of animal cruelty at https://awa.dvs.gov.my/support

In the recent report in the Star “Dog owner chided for neglecting pet”, it is interesting to note the case where a pet was hit by his neighbour, the owner has been charged for failing to take care of his pet’s welfare.

Under Section 24(1)(a)(v) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, punishable under Section 24(3), It states that:

“The owner or a licensee shall have the duty to (a) take reasonable steps to ensure that the needs of the animal are fulfilled, which includes (v) the need for it to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease and therefore the law also provides for a minimum fine of RM15,000 and up to RM75,000 or a maximum of 2 years in jail or both, upon conviction.”

Hear this before the sentenced was passed: “The Sessions Court judge said that as an animal owner, he should have put his dog on a leash within his home compound to prevent it from hurting people. Animals cannot talk. You are not supposed to abuse and neglect it. The dog is yours, yet you left the gates open until it ran out an injured other people”. The complainant has also been fined for hitting the dog.

The Star article can be read here.