Thursday April 1, 2010

Owning a pet is not as simple as ABC

I REFER to the letter “Rearing geese can deter thefts, say cops” (The Star, March 26).

While it is good that more people are beginning to recognise the role of animals such as geese and dogs in helping us to fight crime, we certainly hope such reports will not cause anyone to rush out at once to own such pets.

At least not until they fully realise that owning a pet is something that everyone ought to think long and hard before doing it.

All animals must be loved and treated like a member of the family and not used merely to protect one’s property or lives.

Before one decides to get a dog, for example, one should consult the entire family. The would-be owner should learn all he or she can about what is involved in keeping dogs.

This should include problems ranging from where to keep the pet to feeding as well as attending to its medical needs.

Another serious concern is to ensure that the pet will not disturb or annoy neighbours.

The best protection a dog can provide is when it is allowed to live inside the house with its human family members.

It is also most frustrating for would-be burglars when they are not able to tell where the pet is when they pay a “visit”.

Those who are unable to provide some of the basic essentials mentioned above would be better off getting a burglar alarm or getting toy dogs and geese.

ANTHONY SB THANASAYAN,

President,
Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association,
Kuala Lumpur.

(Note: This letter was printed in The Star on April 1, 2010)

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