Letter: Reforming how we safeguard the Welfare of Animals
By S. Param
Animal lovers welcome the concerns raised by the former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Sabri Yaakob with regards to the rise in cases of animal abuse and welfare in parliament recently.
Animal lovers in the country are in total agreement with Datuk Sabri that a review and amendment of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 should be undertaken to ensure, among other things, the local council authorities adhere strictly to the stipulated Animal Welfare Act.
The call to appoint a neutral committee to handle issues related to animal abuses is timely and ought to be given serious consideration by the government.
Only by establishing a special animal welfare monitoring committee or Board can we ensure the animals in our challenging environment are protected.
Currently the members of the Animal Welfare Committee are comprised mainly of officers from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS ).This committee faces a dilemma when issues and complaints of animal abuses are brought against another government agency. In this case the local authorities or their appointed agents.
Many are of the view that the DVS monopolised Animal Welfare Committee may not be able to act judiciously when animal welfare abuse complaints are associated with individuals, companies or agencies which come directly under the jurisdiction of the DVS.
Ideally the Animal welfare committee or board should be comprised of members from a mix professional background with an established animal welfare interest and background.
Animal welfare is a collective responsibility. As such, the authorities, the public and the associated animal welfare NGOs should work together as a team to ensure domestic strays, livestock cum wildlife welfare is not neglected or abused.
Apart from amending the legislation related to animal welfare, the federal and state authorities can play an important role by providing annual financial grants in sustaining existing shelters that face serious financial constraints.
The authorities should consider allocating lands for the setting up new animal shelters to cater for the increase of homeless animals in our midst.
Regular campaigns to educate the public on animal welfare and its associated issues should be undertaken jointly by the local councils and NGOs
Such campaigns should also be extended to schools,colleges and higher learning institutions.
The setting up Nature Clubs in schools and educational centres will help to create the much needed awareness on the issue among our future generation.
Animal welfare should be an integral part of human consciousness to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life on earth
