World Animal day

World Animal day is celebrated each year on 4^th October. It was originally chosen for the feast day of Francis of Asisi, the nature lover and the patron saint of animal and nature environment. This day is observed by the animal-lovers of all beliefs, blessings, nationalities and backgrounds.

In conjunction with World Animal Day, I urge the Government authority to make continuous efforts to enforce the Animal Act 1953 in order to curb cruelty, abuse and violence against animals. The animal cruelty cases is happening again and again. With 657 cruelty cases reported last year and almost 90% the animal enthusiasts in Malaysia are upset with this.

Over the years and even until today, animal lovers stood by and watched helplessly for the increasing number of cases of animal cruelty committed by both the local authority and killings by individuals. I believe it is the time to put an end to this kind inhumane act against the animals and promote Malaysia a caring society so to improve Malaysia standing worldwide in the area of animal welfare.

The numbers of cruelty cases have been increasingly happened these days. 752 cruelty cased were reported in year 2011 and almost 90% of it involved dogs and none were prosecuted. Comments received from some public that the existing sentence and penalty are too light to those are found guilty of an offence of animal cruelty.

I wish with the proposed Malaysia Animal Welfare Bill 2012 which a fine of RM20,000.00 to RM30,000.00 or three years imprisonment will be able to  assist in bringing down the cruelty cases considering the animal abuse and cruelty have been going on for a long time.

Meanwhile, I am here to urge the pet owners the importance of their responsibility to their own pets. Please think and plan carefully before buying a pet. I am deeply upset to see some pets been neglected and abandoned by their owners. Besides this, the pet shop can also assist to create awareness by displaying rules and policy to protect animals.

Besides this, animal enthusiast and Animal Welfare NGOs are actively involved in developing projects and disseminate information through media and public to create the awareness of the importance of protecting the animals.