PET+BLOGSPOT got the scoop yesterday that more than half a dozen enforcement officers from the Department of Veterinary Services or DVS conducted an unceremonious visit to the controversial Rawang dog pound in Selangor.
The spot check executed on the same day was made at about 11am.
The DVS action, we have learnt, was based on newspaper allegations early this week that the dog pound - run by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) - was being "grossly mismanaged", allegations according to a couple of animal rights and welfare organisations.
PET+BLOGSPOT spoke to Dr Thiba Rajoo, who was also part of the eight-member team who went there in her professional capacity as a veterinary officer.
We quizzed her on her findings:
PET+BLOGSPOT: Was the DVS' visit really unannounced?
Dr Thiba: "Yes, no one knew at all that we were coming. The pound worker immediately opened the gates for our visit."
So what did you see there?
"I was very pleased to see that the pound was clean with about 15 dogs and five puppies.
"The puppies were separated from the adults. Each kennel didn't house more than three animals. According to the pound worker, these were the dogs that were caught the day before.
"Clean water was provided for the animals as well as kibbles in each of the kennels. The dogs looked well-rested and were asleep when we went there."
But why are puppies still there? The MPS said that no more puppies would be nabbed:
"The caretaker pointed out that the five puppies were surrendered by an owner and not caught by the MPS. I also noticed a pregnant dog in one of the kennels.
"The caretaker told me that he had received specific instructions by Health Director Dr Razif Zainol Abidin to take the dog immediately to the nearby veterinary clinic for treatment."
Were there any dogs needing put downs?
"I did not see any other dogs that were sick enough to be euthanised at once. I was pleased that the kennels were promptly deticked and that the kennel floors are washed daily with disinfectant.
"I do not know immediately about how the other professionals in my team felt, but I was certainly satisfied with the current conditions at the MPS pound."
What about a so-called "controversial character" called Ernie who received scathing attacks from some quarters?
"I told her that as a DVS official, we are putting her in charge now for the management of the pound.
"I made it clear to her that the DVS will be conducting spot checks from time to time and that she needs to come up with a proper management system in accordance to the DVS' stray guideline.
"She agreed to what I said. I also called the DVS in Gombak to provide the council pound with fly repellent spray and antiseptic cream, so that initial treatment can be done by the pound worker to make sure wounds are clean and do not worsen.
"I also instructed them that sick animals must be promptly reported to DVS Gombak. If that is not possible, then a private veterinarian must be consulted to inspect the sick dogs. The MPS representative agreed to everything."
What about the five pups?
"They were all about a month old and very healthy. I made arrangements to have them sent to PAWS animal welfare shelter".
So, what happens to the pound from here on?
"In my opinion the pound manager must be given guidance on how to manage a pound, and the workers be taught on how to maintain cleanliness and how to identify signs and symptoms of sick animals so that these animals can be separated and then veterinary help sought." Concluded Dr Thiba.
Dr Thiba Rajoo is the Petaling district veterinary officer. She has also served as veterinary medical officer at University Veterinary Hospital at UPM. She has been a vet for over five years and worked for one year in animal rescue work in the Langkawi Animal Shelter called LASSIE.
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