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Getting to grips with disability
by SANGEETHA NAIR
Imagine waking up one day and finding that you can’t move your legs. Your whole world comes crashing down.SANGEETHA NAIR finds out how the disabled are coping.
PICTURE this.
You are taken to the hospital and doctors tell you that you have suffered a stroke and would not be able to use your leg again.
What would you do? Disability can strike anyone.
You don’t have to be born disabled.
It can happen after an accident, a stroke or an illnesses such as polio.
After undergoing counselling and training on how to live independently, you are empowered and ready to face the world.
But suddenly, you realise that things are not as rosy as you had imagined.
Your daily expenses have increased.
You now have to pay for extra medication and a wheelchair.
Travelling is literally a pain.
You can no longer take the bus or train so you rely on taxis for a while until you learn how to drive a disabled-friendly car, if you can afford it.
You are unemployed for a while and blow your savings in no time.
It’s fine if you are single as you can live on biscuits and instant noodles until you find a job.
But what if you’re married with children? How are you going to provide for them? You frantically go through the newspapers and the Internet for vacancies.
There are a few desk-bound jobs you qualify for.
So you pick up the phone and set dates for interviews.
As soon as the interviewer sees you, he tells you that the job might not be suitable for you even before looking at your resume.
This is what the disabled deal with in real life.
Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (PETPOSITIVE) president Anthony Thanasayan said many disabled people go into depression after finding it hard to cope with discrimination.
“Some try to commit suicide and there are those who become drug addicts.
It is very important for society to change its mindset,” said the 47-year-old who was born disabled.
Anthony said with the high cost of living, it is crucial for a disabled person to have a job.
“Government departments should set an example by offering jobs to the disabled.
Many of us are willing to do any job.
Even making tea is a job,” he said.
“Government servants who are in the service line should also be given training on how to deal with the disabled so that they are more sensitive to our feelings.”
He also said that majority of the disabled are poor and not very educated.
“Many of us can’t go to school due to lack of facilities.
Schools are not disabled friendly.
Not all classrooms are on the ground floor.
We can’t be going up the stairs in our wheelchair,” he said.
Former TV personality Ras Adiba Radzi, who heads the Kuala Lumpur Hospital Special People and K9 Members Rehabilitation, agreed that a lot has to be done to improve the quality of living for the disabled.
“Many buildings are not accessible to us.
Some have no wheelchair ramps, some have either no parking or very few parking lots for the disabled,” she said.
Relating her personal experience, Ras said: “We can’t even use the toilets in some buildings as they are too small.
Once we get in with our wheelchair, the door won’t close.”
She said that she was one of those refused entry by a security guard when she went for a job interview.
“It was frustrating.
There was a sign at the guard house saying that there was a vacancy but the guard refused to let me in,” she said.
Both Anthony and Ras want society to give the disabled a chance to live normal lives.
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Monday, January 29, 2007
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My Schooldays: Anthony Thanasayan: 'The toilet was out of bounds'
28 Jan 2007
SUMITHA MARTIN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony Thanasayan, 46, is the president of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive). Born with spina bifida, Thanasayan has long been a voice for the disabled.
I ATTENDED school for only three years, from Standard Two to Four, at the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS), Klang.
I did not get to have a full life, like a normal student because my disability, which made me walk with a limp, prompted teachers to be over-protective. The canteen and school field, where I wanted to play football, were thought to be too "dangerous" for me.
Another place I did not get to see was the toilet. I think it was because the teachers were afraid I would slip and fall, so I would wear several layers of underpants and ease myself in them and my pants would be soaked by recess!
My grandmother would come then with a change of clothes and everyone would make fun of me.
While in Standard Four, my leg gave me a problem and I had to suddenly undergo an operation. Three months later, I was forced to use a wheelchair and school authorities told my parents to send me to a school for the retarded!
I was stuck at home and would spend hours looking out of my window upstairs, at crows flying by and at the ACS and Methodist Girls School students walking by my house.
I started learning through the television which became my window to the world. I also listened to shortwave radio, in particular, the many foreign programmes, which helped me learn English.
When I was 26, I sat for a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination and scored something like 597 out of 600 points.
When I look back at my schooldays, I have a lot of regrets and anger.
I thought that languishing at home was the way it had to be for a person with a disability — I never questioned it.
My family also never bothered with my education despite the fact that my mother was a teacher.
I am the second oldest of four boys. All my brothers, who are able-bodied, were more fortunate — they received a Form Six education.
My brief schooling however gave me a few good memories. One of them was of a teacher called Encik Sultan who taught me maths which I hated.
One day, when the bell rang at the end of the school session, I couldn’t finish my sums because I didn’t know the answers and I began to cry.
Encik Sultan, a big-sized man, left everything he was doing and sat himself on a tiny chair next to me, and went over the sums, one by one, over a period of about 45 minutes. I was very touched and surprised by his kindness and suddenly, I wasn’t so afraid of maths.
Missing out on school made me very clumsy in my interaction with others.
Fortunately, today, I have addressed this and am happy and settled.
The horrible thing though is that many disabled children are still going through what I did 38 years ago.
I think part of the reason why society — the public and the authorities — cannot accept disability is because a large number of adults never went to school with a disabled person.
This is a fortnightly column.
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My Schooldays: Anthony Thanasayan: 'The toilet was out of bounds'
28 Jan 2007
SUMITHA MARTIN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony Thanasayan, 46, is the president of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive). Born with spina bifida, Thanasayan has long been a voice for the disabled.
I ATTENDED school for only three years, from Standard Two to Four, at the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS), Klang.
I did not get to have a full life, like a normal student because my disability, which made me walk with a limp, prompted teachers to be over-protective. The canteen and school field, where I wanted to play football, were thought to be too "dangerous" for me.
Another place I did not get to see was the toilet. I think it was because the teachers were afraid I would slip and fall, so I would wear several layers of underpants and ease myself in them and my pants would be soaked by recess!
My grandmother would come then with a change of clothes and everyone would make fun of me.
While in Standard Four, my leg gave me a problem and I had to suddenly undergo an operation. Three months later, I was forced to use a wheelchair and school authorities told my parents to send me to a school for the retarded!
I was stuck at home and would spend hours looking out of my window upstairs, at crows flying by and at the ACS and Methodist Girls School students walking by my house.
I started learning through the television which became my window to the world. I also listened to shortwave radio, in particular, the many foreign programmes, which helped me learn English.
When I was 26, I sat for a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination and scored something like 597 out of 600 points.
When I look back at my schooldays, I have a lot of regrets and anger.
I thought that languishing at home was the way it had to be for a person with a disability — I never questioned it.
My family also never bothered with my education despite the fact that my mother was a teacher.
I am the second oldest of four boys. All my brothers, who are able-bodied, were more fortunate — they received a Form Six education.
My brief schooling however gave me a few good memories. One of them was of a teacher called Encik Sultan who taught me maths which I hated.
One day, when the bell rang at the end of the school session, I couldn’t finish my sums because I didn’t know the answers and I began to cry.
Encik Sultan, a big-sized man, left everything he was doing and sat himself on a tiny chair next to me, and went over the sums, one by one, over a period of about 45 minutes. I was very touched and surprised by his kindness and suddenly, I wasn’t so afraid of maths.
Missing out on school made me very clumsy in my interaction with others.
Fortunately, today, I have addressed this and am happy and settled.
The horrible thing though is that many disabled children are still going through what I did 38 years ago.
I think part of the reason why society — the public and the authorities — cannot accept disability is because a large number of adults never went to school with a disabled person.
This is a fortnightly column.
Current Rank:3.5 ( 5-High 1-Low )
1 2 3 4 5
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Monday, January 22, 2007
BBC on pets and allergies
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Tuesday, 27 August, 2002, 23:21 GMT 00:21 UK
Pets 'could lower allergy risk'
Cuddling a dog could help children (pic: Medical College of Georgia)
Children who grow up with dogs and cats in the home have a much reduced risk of developing allergies, say scientists.
The finding will surprise those who believe that the presence of such pets is a trigger, or even a cause, of allergic attacks.
Millions of UK children suffer from asthma and other allergic conditions such as eczema.
Much about the development of the immune system in these children is still poorly understood, and parents are split between those who believe that early exposure to "allergens" will produce tolerance, and those who think children should be protected from them.
The latest study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, looked at 474 healthy babies born in the Detroit area.
These were followed up all the way to their seventh year, and the 184 exposed during infancy to two or more dogs or cats compared with the 220 who were not exposed.
Chance halved
They found that children exposed to two or more indoor pets were half as likely to develop common allergies.
The figures were adjusted for factors such as parental history of asthma - which might influence the likelihood of pet owning - but remained statistically significant.
Dr Dennis Ownby, from the Medical College of Georgia, led the study, and believes that clean houses may be to blame for soaring asthma rates.
He said: "The bottom line is that maybe part of the reason we have so many children with allergies and asthma is that we live too clean a life."
Lick of life
He said that early exposure to "endotoxins" - found in the bacterial residue found in the mouth of a cat or dog - could be the protective influence.
He said: "What happens when kids play with cats or dogs? The animals lick them.
"The lick is transferring a lot of Gram-negative bacteria and that may be changing the way the child's immune system responds in a way that helps protect against allergies."
You can't say whether an individual pet will help or harm an individual child
Professor John Warner
Allergic responses are caused when an antibody called immunoglobulin E, binds to a type of blood cell called a mast cell, which then releases the body chemicals which cause inflammation within minutes of exposure.
It is possible that environmental influences at a young age help shape the power of this immunoglobulin E response.
Some scientists have even suggested that it might be possible to produce a "dirt vaccine", containing many different kinds of soil bacteria, to help stifle this immune response.
No worries
British child health expert, Professor John Warner, from the University of Southampton, told BBC News Online that it was a confusing situation for parents.
He said: "To parents who are concerned about very young children, I would say: 'Don't worry about it'.
"You can't say whether an individual pet will help or harm an individual child - your decision should be based on other quality of life factors.
"What is fairly sure is that if you have someone with an existing allergy to cats or dogs, owning these animals will certainly trigger an attack."
See also:
18 Jul 02 | Animals
Half our pets are fat cats!
14 Jun 02 | Education
Pets boost children's school attendance
03 May 02 | UK
Britons 'prefer cats to dogs'
Internet links:
Cats' Protection League
RSPCA
JAMA
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
Top Health stories now:
Heart risk link to big families
Back pain drug 'may aid diabetics'
Congo Ebola outbreak confirmed
Vegetables ward off Alzheimer's
Polio campaign launched in Iraq
Gene defect explains high blood pressure
Botox 'may cause new wrinkles'
Alien 'abductees' show real symptoms
Links to more Health stories are at the foot of the page.
E-mail this story to a friend
Links to more Health stories
In This Section Heart risk link to big families Back pain drug 'may aid diabetics' Congo Ebola outbreak confirmed Vegetables ward off Alzheimer's Polio campaign launched in Iraq Gene defect explains high blood pressure Botox 'may cause new wrinkles' Alien 'abductees' show real symptoms How sperm wriggle Bollywood told to stub it out Fears over tuna health risk to babies Public can be taught to spot strokes
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EDITIONS
Change to UK
Tuesday, 27 August, 2002, 23:21 GMT 00:21 UK
Pets 'could lower allergy risk'
Cuddling a dog could help children (pic: Medical College of Georgia)
Children who grow up with dogs and cats in the home have a much reduced risk of developing allergies, say scientists.
The finding will surprise those who believe that the presence of such pets is a trigger, or even a cause, of allergic attacks.
Millions of UK children suffer from asthma and other allergic conditions such as eczema.
Much about the development of the immune system in these children is still poorly understood, and parents are split between those who believe that early exposure to "allergens" will produce tolerance, and those who think children should be protected from them.
The latest study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, looked at 474 healthy babies born in the Detroit area.
These were followed up all the way to their seventh year, and the 184 exposed during infancy to two or more dogs or cats compared with the 220 who were not exposed.
Chance halved
They found that children exposed to two or more indoor pets were half as likely to develop common allergies.
The figures were adjusted for factors such as parental history of asthma - which might influence the likelihood of pet owning - but remained statistically significant.
Dr Dennis Ownby, from the Medical College of Georgia, led the study, and believes that clean houses may be to blame for soaring asthma rates.
He said: "The bottom line is that maybe part of the reason we have so many children with allergies and asthma is that we live too clean a life."
Lick of life
He said that early exposure to "endotoxins" - found in the bacterial residue found in the mouth of a cat or dog - could be the protective influence.
He said: "What happens when kids play with cats or dogs? The animals lick them.
"The lick is transferring a lot of Gram-negative bacteria and that may be changing the way the child's immune system responds in a way that helps protect against allergies."
You can't say whether an individual pet will help or harm an individual child
Professor John Warner
Allergic responses are caused when an antibody called immunoglobulin E, binds to a type of blood cell called a mast cell, which then releases the body chemicals which cause inflammation within minutes of exposure.
It is possible that environmental influences at a young age help shape the power of this immunoglobulin E response.
Some scientists have even suggested that it might be possible to produce a "dirt vaccine", containing many different kinds of soil bacteria, to help stifle this immune response.
No worries
British child health expert, Professor John Warner, from the University of Southampton, told BBC News Online that it was a confusing situation for parents.
He said: "To parents who are concerned about very young children, I would say: 'Don't worry about it'.
"You can't say whether an individual pet will help or harm an individual child - your decision should be based on other quality of life factors.
"What is fairly sure is that if you have someone with an existing allergy to cats or dogs, owning these animals will certainly trigger an attack."
See also:
18 Jul 02 | Animals
Half our pets are fat cats!
14 Jun 02 | Education
Pets boost children's school attendance
03 May 02 | UK
Britons 'prefer cats to dogs'
Internet links:
Cats' Protection League
RSPCA
JAMA
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
Top Health stories now:
Heart risk link to big families
Back pain drug 'may aid diabetics'
Congo Ebola outbreak confirmed
Vegetables ward off Alzheimer's
Polio campaign launched in Iraq
Gene defect explains high blood pressure
Botox 'may cause new wrinkles'
Alien 'abductees' show real symptoms
Links to more Health stories are at the foot of the page.
E-mail this story to a friend
Links to more Health stories
In This Section Heart risk link to big families Back pain drug 'may aid diabetics' Congo Ebola outbreak confirmed Vegetables ward off Alzheimer's Polio campaign launched in Iraq Gene defect explains high blood pressure Botox 'may cause new wrinkles' Alien 'abductees' show real symptoms How sperm wriggle Bollywood told to stub it out Fears over tuna health risk to babies Public can be taught to spot strokes
^^ Back to top
News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East |
South Asia | UK | Business | Entertainment | Science/Nature |
Technology | Health | Talking Point | Country Profiles | In Depth |
Programmes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To BBC Sport>> | To BBC Weather>> | To BBC World Service>>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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BBC on hospital visits with pets
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UK versionInternational version|About the versions Low graphics|Accessibility help The News in 2 minutes
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Last Updated: Tuesday, 11 May, 2004, 07:54 GMT 08:54 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Hospitals should allow pet visits
A patient's best friend?
Hospital patients could receive a fillip if pets were allowed to visit, according to a psychologist.
Dr June McNicholas will put her "pets on prescription" idea to the Royal College of Nursing annual conference in Harrogate on Tuesday.
The Warwick University psychologist believes more hospitals and care homes should give visiting rights to animals when their owners are ill.
She said pets boosted recovery, reduced stress and provided companionship.
I think we dismiss a lot of what is so essential in people's lives.
Dr June McNicholas
Dr McNicholas dismissed the idea that pets were a health hazard. She said they were more likely to catch illness from humans, than the other way round.
A small number of hospitals and hospices do allow patients to meet up with their pets - but as yet it is the exception, not the norm.
Dr McNicholas suggested more institutions should consider the idea of establishing visiting rooms where patients could be reunited with their pets.
Alternatively, patients could be allowed to see their pets through a window in a garden area outside the ward.
She said: "We already know that people love their pets but it can be dismissed as something like sentimentality and I think we dismiss a lot of what is so essential in people's lives."
Benefits
Research has shown that pets can have a positive effect.
Men with cats and dogs have been shown to have lower blood pressure.
In one study nearly nine out of 10 breast cancer patients said their pets had provided valuable support.
And in another, pets were shown to help people come to terms with bereavement.
Dr McNicholas said there was also growing evidence that pets helped boost the immune systems of children and helped stop them getting allergies or asthma.
She also described ways in which ferrets had been used to help blind children understand movement and space.
She said nurses should be more aware of the importance of pets in people's lives so they could play a part in their recovery.
"I would like it to be acknowledged as an acceptable practice in hospitals wherever possible."
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
NURSES CONGRESS 2004
KEY STORIES
Call for ban on public smoking
Sub-standard nurses warning
Mealtimes 'key for patient care'
Foreign nurse drive unsustainable
Childcare allowance for students
Patient passport plans rejected
'Not too posh to wash'
Hospitals should allow pet visits
Nurses urged to drive reform
NHS funding boost challenged
FEATURE
'Why I came to the UK to nurse'
RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
NHS
International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations
Royal College of Nursing
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
TOP HEALTH STORIES
Dog-owners 'lead healthier lives'
Brain cancers shrink in drug test
'Community superbug tests' needed
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EDITORS' BLOG
Last Updated: Tuesday, 11 May, 2004, 07:54 GMT 08:54 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Hospitals should allow pet visits
A patient's best friend?
Hospital patients could receive a fillip if pets were allowed to visit, according to a psychologist.
Dr June McNicholas will put her "pets on prescription" idea to the Royal College of Nursing annual conference in Harrogate on Tuesday.
The Warwick University psychologist believes more hospitals and care homes should give visiting rights to animals when their owners are ill.
She said pets boosted recovery, reduced stress and provided companionship.
I think we dismiss a lot of what is so essential in people's lives.
Dr June McNicholas
Dr McNicholas dismissed the idea that pets were a health hazard. She said they were more likely to catch illness from humans, than the other way round.
A small number of hospitals and hospices do allow patients to meet up with their pets - but as yet it is the exception, not the norm.
Dr McNicholas suggested more institutions should consider the idea of establishing visiting rooms where patients could be reunited with their pets.
Alternatively, patients could be allowed to see their pets through a window in a garden area outside the ward.
She said: "We already know that people love their pets but it can be dismissed as something like sentimentality and I think we dismiss a lot of what is so essential in people's lives."
Benefits
Research has shown that pets can have a positive effect.
Men with cats and dogs have been shown to have lower blood pressure.
In one study nearly nine out of 10 breast cancer patients said their pets had provided valuable support.
And in another, pets were shown to help people come to terms with bereavement.
Dr McNicholas said there was also growing evidence that pets helped boost the immune systems of children and helped stop them getting allergies or asthma.
She also described ways in which ferrets had been used to help blind children understand movement and space.
She said nurses should be more aware of the importance of pets in people's lives so they could play a part in their recovery.
"I would like it to be acknowledged as an acceptable practice in hospitals wherever possible."
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
NURSES CONGRESS 2004
KEY STORIES
Call for ban on public smoking
Sub-standard nurses warning
Mealtimes 'key for patient care'
Foreign nurse drive unsustainable
Childcare allowance for students
Patient passport plans rejected
'Not too posh to wash'
Hospitals should allow pet visits
Nurses urged to drive reform
NHS funding boost challenged
FEATURE
'Why I came to the UK to nurse'
RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
NHS
International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations
Royal College of Nursing
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
TOP HEALTH STORIES
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Last Updated: Sunday, 10 October, 2004, 11:14 GMT 12:14 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Children with pets 'more healthy'
Pets appear to have a greater effect on younger children
Young children with pets have fewer days off sick from school, according to academics in Coventry.
University of Warwick researchers found four and five-year-olds whose families kept animals had attendance levels 18% higher than their peers without pets.
Health psychologist Dr June McNicholas said dogs, cats, fish, birds and rodents were among the creatures owned by the children surveyed.
She said the theory was that pets helped boost children's immune systems.
Dr McNicholas said children's health was not improved by any particular type of pet.
The underlying theory is that the immune system develops in relation to what it is exposed to
Dr June McNicholas
"It is more to do with just owning a pet and taking care of it, and having it live in the same house as you."
Researchers monitored 256 children aged five to 11 years from three schools.
The children gave saliva samples which were tested as an indicator of their general state of health.
These results were compared with the children's school attendance records.
Dr McNicholas said previous research had shown children whose families kept pets were less likely to have asthma or allergies.
"The underlying theory is that the immune system develops in relation to what it is exposed to," she said.
Pet-ownership had only a marginal impact on school attendance among children aged seven to 11 years, the research showed.
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BBC Coventry and Warwickshire
Sport, travel, leisure, message boards and much more
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Hospitals should allow pet visits
11 May 04 | Health
Pets 'could lower allergy risk'
27 Aug 02 | Health
Pets boost children's health
14 Jun 02 | Health
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Last Updated: Sunday, 10 October, 2004, 11:14 GMT 12:14 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Children with pets 'more healthy'
Pets appear to have a greater effect on younger children
Young children with pets have fewer days off sick from school, according to academics in Coventry.
University of Warwick researchers found four and five-year-olds whose families kept animals had attendance levels 18% higher than their peers without pets.
Health psychologist Dr June McNicholas said dogs, cats, fish, birds and rodents were among the creatures owned by the children surveyed.
She said the theory was that pets helped boost children's immune systems.
Dr McNicholas said children's health was not improved by any particular type of pet.
The underlying theory is that the immune system develops in relation to what it is exposed to
Dr June McNicholas
"It is more to do with just owning a pet and taking care of it, and having it live in the same house as you."
Researchers monitored 256 children aged five to 11 years from three schools.
The children gave saliva samples which were tested as an indicator of their general state of health.
These results were compared with the children's school attendance records.
Dr McNicholas said previous research had shown children whose families kept pets were less likely to have asthma or allergies.
"The underlying theory is that the immune system develops in relation to what it is exposed to," she said.
Pet-ownership had only a marginal impact on school attendance among children aged seven to 11 years, the research showed.
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
BBC Coventry and Warwickshire
Sport, travel, leisure, message boards and much more
SEE ALSO:
Hospitals should allow pet visits
11 May 04 | Health
Pets 'could lower allergy risk'
27 Aug 02 | Health
Pets boost children's health
14 Jun 02 | Health
RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
University of Warwick
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
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M6 toll price increase criticised
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Figures boost for park and ride
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Last Updated: Sunday, 21 January 2007, 00:12 GMT
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Dog-owners 'lead healthier lives'
Dogs can provide companionship
If you want to live a healthier life get a dog, research suggests.
The companionship offered by many pets is thought to be good for you, but the benefits of owning a dog outstrip those of cat owners, the study says.
A psychologist from Queen's University, Belfast, said dog owners tended to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Writing in the British Journal of Health Psychology, she says that regular 'walkies' may partly explain the difference.
Dr Deborah Wells reviewed dozens of earlier research papers which looked at the health benefits of pet ownership.
In some cases, the social support offered by an animal is greater than the support than another human could offer
Dr June McNicholas
Health psychologist
She confirmed that pet owners tended in general to be healthier than the average member of the population.
However, her research suggested that dog ownership produced more positive influence than cat ownership.
As well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol, she said dog-owners suffered fewer minor ailments and serious medical problems.
There was also the suggestion that dogs could aid recovery from serious illnesses such as heart attacks, and act as 'early warning' to detect an approaching epileptic seizure.
Stress-busting
Dr Wells said the precise reason for the benefits was not totally clear.
"It is possible that dogs can directly promote our well-being by buffering us from stress, one of the major risk factors associated with ill-health.
"The ownership of a dog can also lead to increases in physical activity and facilitate the development of social contacts, which may enhance both physiological and psychological human health in a more indirect manner."
Dr June McNicholas, a health psychologist who has specialised on research into the health effects of pet ownership said that an important reason for the improved health of dog-owners was not just the exercise received while taking it for walks, but the opportunity for social contact with other dog-owners.
She said: "For older people, an animal can fulfil the 'need to be needed', perhaps after children have left home.
"In some cases, the social support offered by an animal is greater than the support than another human could offer."
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
SEE ALSO
Children with pets 'more healthy'
10 Oct 04 | Coventry/Warwickshire
Hospitals should allow pet visits
11 May 04 | Health
Pampering pets for profit
08 Jun 06 | Business
RELATED INTERNET LINKS
British Journal of Health Psychology
Queen's University Belfast
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Last Updated: Sunday, 21 January 2007, 00:12 GMT
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Dog-owners 'lead healthier lives'
Dogs can provide companionship
If you want to live a healthier life get a dog, research suggests.
The companionship offered by many pets is thought to be good for you, but the benefits of owning a dog outstrip those of cat owners, the study says.
A psychologist from Queen's University, Belfast, said dog owners tended to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Writing in the British Journal of Health Psychology, she says that regular 'walkies' may partly explain the difference.
Dr Deborah Wells reviewed dozens of earlier research papers which looked at the health benefits of pet ownership.
In some cases, the social support offered by an animal is greater than the support than another human could offer
Dr June McNicholas
Health psychologist
She confirmed that pet owners tended in general to be healthier than the average member of the population.
However, her research suggested that dog ownership produced more positive influence than cat ownership.
As well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol, she said dog-owners suffered fewer minor ailments and serious medical problems.
There was also the suggestion that dogs could aid recovery from serious illnesses such as heart attacks, and act as 'early warning' to detect an approaching epileptic seizure.
Stress-busting
Dr Wells said the precise reason for the benefits was not totally clear.
"It is possible that dogs can directly promote our well-being by buffering us from stress, one of the major risk factors associated with ill-health.
"The ownership of a dog can also lead to increases in physical activity and facilitate the development of social contacts, which may enhance both physiological and psychological human health in a more indirect manner."
Dr June McNicholas, a health psychologist who has specialised on research into the health effects of pet ownership said that an important reason for the improved health of dog-owners was not just the exercise received while taking it for walks, but the opportunity for social contact with other dog-owners.
She said: "For older people, an animal can fulfil the 'need to be needed', perhaps after children have left home.
"In some cases, the social support offered by an animal is greater than the support than another human could offer."
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
SEE ALSO
Children with pets 'more healthy'
10 Oct 04 | Coventry/Warwickshire
Hospitals should allow pet visits
11 May 04 | Health
Pampering pets for profit
08 Jun 06 | Business
RELATED INTERNET LINKS
British Journal of Health Psychology
Queen's University Belfast
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
TOP HEALTH STORIES
Dog-owners 'lead healthier lives'
Brain cancers shrink in drug test
'Community superbug tests' needed
| News feeds
MOST POPULAR STORIES NOW
MOST E-MAILED MOST READ White beetle dazzles scientists
US man survives 17-storey tumble
Duck survives two days in fridge
Profile: Hillary Rodham Clinton
Cliff fall dog survives unscathed
Most popular now, in detail MOST E-MAILED MOST READ US man survives 17-storey tumble
Duck survives two days in fridge
Troops in as bombs strike Baghdad
Can Hillary Clinton win in 2008?
Dink killing suspect 'confesses'
Most popular now, in detail
FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS In pictures
Turkey mourns murdered journalist, as police quiz suspects
Can she win?
Hillary Clinton bids to become the first woman US president
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Thursday, January 11, 2007
Malaysiakini report 2
A group of disabled rights activist waited for close to an hour at the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) headquarters to meet council president Zainal Abidin Azim today.
Originally, the group intended to hand a memorandum to Zainal at the entrance to the lobby of the council’s main building. Zainal however, through his representatives, insisted that the 30 disabled individuals meet him at his office on the ninth-floor.
This enraged the individuals who were hoping to see Zainal to air their grievances over an incident last Friday which saw petty trader Murugan Rajoo, 36, allegedly being ill-treated by council officers.
Murugan had his motorcycle-cum-stall seized by MPS officers for trading without a license and he was left stranded by the roadside.
Subsequently he and several Independent Living & Training Centre members tried to reclaim his possessions at the MPS Rawang branch, they were confined by MPS officers for an hour.
During the alleged confinement, he was not allowed to use the toilet and forced to urinate in his pants, in front of others.
Anthony Thanasayan, who represents the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and ELDERLY Association (Petpositive), said MPS drive to make the district more disabled friendly was no longer meaningful due to Zainal’s actions today.
“There is no point making ramps (for us) on the outside, but inside (the council) their (negative) attitude towards the disabled is still the same. Maybe he (Zainal) would understand when he becomes disabled,” said Anthony.
Former TV3 sports presenter, Ras Adiba Radzi was also present.
Full report at Malaysiakini.com
Originally, the group intended to hand a memorandum to Zainal at the entrance to the lobby of the council’s main building. Zainal however, through his representatives, insisted that the 30 disabled individuals meet him at his office on the ninth-floor.
This enraged the individuals who were hoping to see Zainal to air their grievances over an incident last Friday which saw petty trader Murugan Rajoo, 36, allegedly being ill-treated by council officers.
Murugan had his motorcycle-cum-stall seized by MPS officers for trading without a license and he was left stranded by the roadside.
Subsequently he and several Independent Living & Training Centre members tried to reclaim his possessions at the MPS Rawang branch, they were confined by MPS officers for an hour.
During the alleged confinement, he was not allowed to use the toilet and forced to urinate in his pants, in front of others.
Anthony Thanasayan, who represents the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and ELDERLY Association (Petpositive), said MPS drive to make the district more disabled friendly was no longer meaningful due to Zainal’s actions today.
“There is no point making ramps (for us) on the outside, but inside (the council) their (negative) attitude towards the disabled is still the same. Maybe he (Zainal) would understand when he becomes disabled,” said Anthony.
Former TV3 sports presenter, Ras Adiba Radzi was also present.
Full report at Malaysiakini.com
Disabled Protest the MPS, Malaysiakini
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Disabled group: Come down! MPS president: Come up!
Andrew Ong
Jan 10, 07 5:14pm Adjust font size:
About 30 disabled people, some wheelchair-bound, waited in vain for nearly an hour outside the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) building to meet council president Zainal Abidin Azim today.
They wanted to submit a memorandum to Zainal in the lobby but he insisted that they come up to his office on the ninth floor.
The group refused and waited from 11am to nearly noon but the president did not show up.
Led by Independent Living and Training Centre (ITLS) secretary Gurdip Kaur, they chanted slogans such as ‘MPS oppresses the disabled’ and ‘MPS does not understand the disabled’.
They wanted to meet Zainal to air their grievances over an incident last Friday where council officers had allegedly ill-treated disabled petty trader Murugan Rajoo, 36.
After several rounds of negotiations with Zainal’s aide, Murugan’s lawyer N Surendran told the group that there was a stalemate and there will be no meeting with the council president.
Speaking to reporters later, Surendran said he was disappointed that Zainal did not come down to meet the group.
“He (Zainal) made the ridiculous suggestion of having these people go up to see him. This shows the core problem that council officers, including the president, are insensitive to the needs of the disabled,” he said.
Among the protestors was former TV3 personality Ras Adiba Radzi (right), who has been confined to a wheelchair after a mishap.
Special committees
Anthony Thanasayan, a wheelchair-bound activist, said Zainal’s action this morning rendered MPS’ drive to make the district more disabled friendly meaningless.
“There is no point in making ramps (for us) on the outside, but inside (the council) their (negative) attitude towards the disabled is still the same. Maybe he (Zainal) would understand when he becomes disabled,” he added.
Thanasayan also urged all local authorities to form special committees that includes disabled groups to look into the needs of the disabled and the elderly.
Last Thursday, Murugan (centre) had his motorcycle-cum-stall seized by MPS officers for trading without a licence and was left stranded by the roadside.
Subsequently he and several ILTS members tried to reclaim his possessions at the MPS Rawang branch.
Following this, Murugan and his friends claimed they were illegally confined by MPS officers for an hour while he was not allowed to use the toilet and forced to urinate in his pants, in front of others.
MPS councillor MB Raja returned Murugan his possessions later that evening. Murugan maintains that he had tried in vain to apply for a trading licence for the past three years but became a petty trader to support his wife and four children.
According to Surendran, illegal confinement is a criminal offence under Section 340 of the Penal Code.
Under investigation
Meanwhile, Zainal told a press conference this afternoon that the incident is being investigated by the police and MPS.
Asked if the officers involved are still on active duty, he said: “I told (the enforcement director), if he had investigated and found a breach in procedure, he has to take action. If not, they (the officers) can continue.”
As to why he did not meet the group at the lobby and settle the matter amicably, Zainal said the building is accessible for the group and the meeting room is more conducive to hold discussions.
“In the first place, they wanted to see me. Like now you (reporters) want to interview me, I don’t have to go to the Bernama (office) right?
“Even if you are disabled, you must be sincere. If you want to give a genuine memorandum, you can come. You don’t have to bring lawyers or posters, that is if you genuinely want to address an issue,” he added.
Asked if he was accusing the group of being insincere, he replied: “I’m not saying that. You (journalists) have to observe yourself.”
Click here to watch
a two-minute video.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you have something to say about the above report? Share it with other Malaysiakini readers. Send your comments to voxpopuli@malaysiakini.com and it may be published in Malaysiakinis Vox Populi (Voice of the People) section. Please keep your comments brief and do let us know if you wish to remain anonymous.
Submit your comment
Title: Re: Disabled group: Come down! MPS president: Come up!
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'Unfriendly' buses leave the disabled stranded
Dec 4, 06 12:13pm
Visually impaired feel 'internet-ly' marginalised
Dec 2, 06 6:23pm
Mei Fun walks into protest by disabled group
Sep 25, 06 1:13pm
Disabled groups flay MPs
Sep 19, 06 6:46pm
'Left out' disabled group cries foul
May 4, 06 11:02am
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Copyright © 1999-2006 Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd. All rights reserved.
COLUMNS
Antara materialisme, idealisme dan Islam (Bhg 2)
My dirty weekends
'Piratising' public space
Leave our teachers alone!
Our Earth is gravely sick!
Another year dawns ...
NEWS
Mongolian case - was Najib quizzed?
PAS boikot pilihanraya kecil Batu Talam
Premier treatment for Perth restaurant
Tiong's dailies 'black out' ntv7
Disabled group: Come down! MPS president: Come up!
Toll hike: MCA's larger dilemma
Men with grenade arrested in KL
Toll concessionaires - our highway robber barons
Kit Siang: What’s this all about, Pak Lah?
20,000 fishermen, farmers protest against FTA
LETTERS
Who will cry for Malaysia?
MCA’s constraints self-inflicted ones
Positive ideas for dynamic national schools
Admit and tackle Islamisation of national schools
Banks too, like NEP, need thorough review
FTAs will better regulate our trade
Indian Malaysian slavery is a heinous crime
Tourism: M’sian frontline staff a deterrent
Immigration officers may not have known English
Let’s have catchy slogans for general election
OPINION/FEATURES
Empower parents to choose schools
The 'sexy' sexists
Saddam's execution: Dr M dead wrong
What you should know about colorectal cancer
Squabbling over the dead
A study on the nationalists’ struggle
O'Rise, America’s ghost of Vietnam
Disabled group: Come down! MPS president: Come up!
Andrew Ong
Jan 10, 07 5:14pm Adjust font size:
About 30 disabled people, some wheelchair-bound, waited in vain for nearly an hour outside the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) building to meet council president Zainal Abidin Azim today.
They wanted to submit a memorandum to Zainal in the lobby but he insisted that they come up to his office on the ninth floor.
The group refused and waited from 11am to nearly noon but the president did not show up.
Led by Independent Living and Training Centre (ITLS) secretary Gurdip Kaur, they chanted slogans such as ‘MPS oppresses the disabled’ and ‘MPS does not understand the disabled’.
They wanted to meet Zainal to air their grievances over an incident last Friday where council officers had allegedly ill-treated disabled petty trader Murugan Rajoo, 36.
After several rounds of negotiations with Zainal’s aide, Murugan’s lawyer N Surendran told the group that there was a stalemate and there will be no meeting with the council president.
Speaking to reporters later, Surendran said he was disappointed that Zainal did not come down to meet the group.
“He (Zainal) made the ridiculous suggestion of having these people go up to see him. This shows the core problem that council officers, including the president, are insensitive to the needs of the disabled,” he said.
Among the protestors was former TV3 personality Ras Adiba Radzi (right), who has been confined to a wheelchair after a mishap.
Special committees
Anthony Thanasayan, a wheelchair-bound activist, said Zainal’s action this morning rendered MPS’ drive to make the district more disabled friendly meaningless.
“There is no point in making ramps (for us) on the outside, but inside (the council) their (negative) attitude towards the disabled is still the same. Maybe he (Zainal) would understand when he becomes disabled,” he added.
Thanasayan also urged all local authorities to form special committees that includes disabled groups to look into the needs of the disabled and the elderly.
Last Thursday, Murugan (centre) had his motorcycle-cum-stall seized by MPS officers for trading without a licence and was left stranded by the roadside.
Subsequently he and several ILTS members tried to reclaim his possessions at the MPS Rawang branch.
Following this, Murugan and his friends claimed they were illegally confined by MPS officers for an hour while he was not allowed to use the toilet and forced to urinate in his pants, in front of others.
MPS councillor MB Raja returned Murugan his possessions later that evening. Murugan maintains that he had tried in vain to apply for a trading licence for the past three years but became a petty trader to support his wife and four children.
According to Surendran, illegal confinement is a criminal offence under Section 340 of the Penal Code.
Under investigation
Meanwhile, Zainal told a press conference this afternoon that the incident is being investigated by the police and MPS.
Asked if the officers involved are still on active duty, he said: “I told (the enforcement director), if he had investigated and found a breach in procedure, he has to take action. If not, they (the officers) can continue.”
As to why he did not meet the group at the lobby and settle the matter amicably, Zainal said the building is accessible for the group and the meeting room is more conducive to hold discussions.
“In the first place, they wanted to see me. Like now you (reporters) want to interview me, I don’t have to go to the Bernama (office) right?
“Even if you are disabled, you must be sincere. If you want to give a genuine memorandum, you can come. You don’t have to bring lawyers or posters, that is if you genuinely want to address an issue,” he added.
Asked if he was accusing the group of being insincere, he replied: “I’m not saying that. You (journalists) have to observe yourself.”
Click here to watch
a two-minute video.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you have something to say about the above report? Share it with other Malaysiakini readers. Send your comments to voxpopuli@malaysiakini.com and it may be published in Malaysiakinis Vox Populi (Voice of the People) section. Please keep your comments brief and do let us know if you wish to remain anonymous.
Submit your comment
Title: Re: Disabled group: Come down! MPS president: Come up!
Name:
Email:
Comment:
'Unfriendly' buses leave the disabled stranded
Dec 4, 06 12:13pm
Visually impaired feel 'internet-ly' marginalised
Dec 2, 06 6:23pm
Mei Fun walks into protest by disabled group
Sep 25, 06 1:13pm
Disabled groups flay MPs
Sep 19, 06 6:46pm
'Left out' disabled group cries foul
May 4, 06 11:02am
ADVERTISEMENT
Copyright © 1999-2006 Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd. All rights reserved.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Petpositive in Malay Mail Jan 9, 2007
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Don’t ridicule the disabled
DEAR Editor,
I WAS disturbed when I read about Murugan Rajoo’s experience with the Selayang Municipal Council. How could council officers treat a disabled man in such an unjust manner?
It was to me, a bad and disturbing start to the New Year and against our goal of being a caring society.
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has done its best to promote the idea of treating the disabled with respect, but it looks like the problem is not with the general public but among those who are there to serve, like employees of local councils.
No matter what he had done, Murugan did not deserve to be ridiculed because of his disability. The Ministry should start an awareness programme for all local councils, because they need to know how to deal with the disabled and the elderly.
Problems like this have happened before and it’s obvious that some people don’t have a flair for handling the disabled and be sensitive to their needs.
So, it’s only fair that we send local council officers for courses on how to deal with the handicapped and the elderly.
Murugan needed a business licence which he had applied for twice, but even after two years, the council failed to attend to his application.
What reason do they have for this? To top it all, instead of giving him a licence, they mistreated him.
They owe him an apology. It is already difficult for the disabled to find work and support themselves so what do we expect them to do when we place obstacles like these in their path.
Let us find ways to be sensitive to the needs of the disabled and support them to be independent and become contributing members of society.
Anthony Sivabalan
President, Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and
Elderly Association
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Monday, January 08 2007 | news | world | hotline | opinion | showbiz | cache | sports | NSTP |
Don’t ridicule the disabled
DEAR Editor,
I WAS disturbed when I read about Murugan Rajoo’s experience with the Selayang Municipal Council. How could council officers treat a disabled man in such an unjust manner?
It was to me, a bad and disturbing start to the New Year and against our goal of being a caring society.
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has done its best to promote the idea of treating the disabled with respect, but it looks like the problem is not with the general public but among those who are there to serve, like employees of local councils.
No matter what he had done, Murugan did not deserve to be ridiculed because of his disability. The Ministry should start an awareness programme for all local councils, because they need to know how to deal with the disabled and the elderly.
Problems like this have happened before and it’s obvious that some people don’t have a flair for handling the disabled and be sensitive to their needs.
So, it’s only fair that we send local council officers for courses on how to deal with the handicapped and the elderly.
Murugan needed a business licence which he had applied for twice, but even after two years, the council failed to attend to his application.
What reason do they have for this? To top it all, instead of giving him a licence, they mistreated him.
They owe him an apology. It is already difficult for the disabled to find work and support themselves so what do we expect them to do when we place obstacles like these in their path.
Let us find ways to be sensitive to the needs of the disabled and support them to be independent and become contributing members of society.
Anthony Sivabalan
President, Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and
Elderly Association
MORE NEWS
Loyalty begins at home
No licence to belittle the less fortunate
Annoyed by attitude of embassy staff
Pro-active measures to combat crime
Cover Story
Feature
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Celebrity Drive
Feature
Test Drive
News Bites
Cover Story
Feature
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Copyright © 2007 The Malay Mail Online. All rights reserved.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Petpositive's comments in Malay Mail on dog cruelty
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Monday, January 01 2007 | news | world | hotline | opinion | showbiz | cache | sports | NSTP |
More like ‘Joy’ out there
AS sad as Joy’s case is, the dog is one of many stray animals in distress because of cruelty.
However, not many people know of such cases unless they’re highlighted, said Rena Chang, who has been rescuing strays for the last three years.
Chang said she had seen and rescued many animals that had been neglected and abused.
“I do not know why people do these things,” said Chang.
She was commenting on Joy, the stray dog that was severely beaten by a group of Indonesian workers that part of its jaw had to be surgically removed. The dog’s plight was highlighted on Dec 2.
The public do not realise that animals are also living things and that they deserve to live, said Chang.
“Early this year, I came across a group of children in Shah Alam chasing a stray dog with a stick. Their mother just watched and did nothing to stop them,” she said.
“This shows how ignorant some people are,” she said.
Chang said maimed and injured animals have less chance of being adopted and finding good homes.
“Most people would not adopt injured or crippled animals, but we do have some kind-hearted Malaysians who don’t mind a ‘special’ animal as their pet,” she said.
Chang urged the authorities to look into every case of animal cruelty as there are many animals suffering out there.
On Dec 27, a coalition of animal welfare groups, comprising Petpositive (Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association), Marpo (Malaysian Association for Responsible Pet Ownership), Madpet (Malaysians Against Death Penalty & Torture) and SPCA Selangor (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), lodged a report at Brickfields police station, urging authorities to take action against those who hurt and maimed Joy. — By MOHD ISKANDAR IBRAHIM
MM says: Teach your children to respect animals
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More like ‘Joy’ out there
AS sad as Joy’s case is, the dog is one of many stray animals in distress because of cruelty.
However, not many people know of such cases unless they’re highlighted, said Rena Chang, who has been rescuing strays for the last three years.
Chang said she had seen and rescued many animals that had been neglected and abused.
“I do not know why people do these things,” said Chang.
She was commenting on Joy, the stray dog that was severely beaten by a group of Indonesian workers that part of its jaw had to be surgically removed. The dog’s plight was highlighted on Dec 2.
The public do not realise that animals are also living things and that they deserve to live, said Chang.
“Early this year, I came across a group of children in Shah Alam chasing a stray dog with a stick. Their mother just watched and did nothing to stop them,” she said.
“This shows how ignorant some people are,” she said.
Chang said maimed and injured animals have less chance of being adopted and finding good homes.
“Most people would not adopt injured or crippled animals, but we do have some kind-hearted Malaysians who don’t mind a ‘special’ animal as their pet,” she said.
Chang urged the authorities to look into every case of animal cruelty as there are many animals suffering out there.
On Dec 27, a coalition of animal welfare groups, comprising Petpositive (Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association), Marpo (Malaysian Association for Responsible Pet Ownership), Madpet (Malaysians Against Death Penalty & Torture) and SPCA Selangor (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), lodged a report at Brickfields police station, urging authorities to take action against those who hurt and maimed Joy. — By MOHD ISKANDAR IBRAHIM
MM says: Teach your children to respect animals
MORE NEWS
COVER STORY
Stop the cruelty!
HOT NEWS
Too late to save this one ...
Fitting way to celebrate womanhood
THE NESTLE FITNESS-MALAY MAIL LADIES WALK - Nikko girls all set to go!
ROAD TAX REDUCTION - Praises all around
MISS TOURISM QUEEN OF THE YEAR INTERNATIONAL 2006 - Ampika picked!
YouTube ends year on sour note
A cat fight, would be nice
REALITY TV PROGRAMMES -Are they here to stay?
Neighbour shows cleaver and more ...
WELCOME 2007, goodbye 2006.
Cover Story
Feature
Product Reviews
Gallery
Games Reviews
News Bites
Celebrity Drive
Feature
Test Drive
News Bites
Cover Story
Feature
Inside Fashion
Beauty
Guy"de"
Feature
So What
Celeb Snapshots
Movies X-Tra
Feature
Living Travel
3 Days In…
Everything Food
Club Beat
Home | About Us | Contact Us | Legal Terms | Sales & Advertising |
Copyright © 2007 The Malay Mail Online. All rights reserved.
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