NOT KILLERS; just unsung heroes for a job that needs to be done

aNt's aNgle:  

Recently, I blogged about dogcatchers - our unsung heroes - who play an indispensable role in helping keep the number of strays under control in our environment in order to keep us healthy. 
 

I posted a story on a never-before-held discussion-session with animal control officers that was organised by the Klang local council (MPK) in the state of Selangor. (See Plenty Of Tail-Wags)

The session was put together by a special committee which I head called the Canine Advisory Team or CAT of the MPK. 

The purpose of CAT is to look into animal rights and welfare issues within the local authority.

Our reason for holding the session was to educate the canine control officers of the participating local councils on the finer aspects of humane dog-catching methods.

The session's trainers included PETPOSITIVE, SPCA Selangor and a veterinary care expert from the Department of Veterinary Services.

There was also a local animal control officer who presented some of his latest innovative methods and strategies on humane methods in trapping animals.

Our post received heaps of positive responses.


Here are two moving comments we received as feedback to our story that are printed in its full original form:  

Story #1:

"Thank you. Your story is brilliant. CAT should be commended for your educational work among local councils.
 
"The authorities must realise too that whilst they have their obligations to taxpayers and their complaints, they also have an obligation to the animals under their care."

- A medical doctor


Story #2:

"I totally agree with the comments made by 'A medical doctor' and believe that CAT is a good start in introducing true animal control practices in Malaysia. While visiting your beautiful country, me and the wife noticed lots of strays roaming about. That is what prompted me to do a little research on the internet (much to my wife's disgust). Animal control management, done the right way, would definitely benefit the endeavour to reduce strays of the streets. It is also a very dangerous job. I myself have been bitten and scratched a few times during my stint as an officer back home! My advice, based on my short research on Malaysia, is to continue with the CAT programme, develop good animal control and sheltering practices. But remember, you can't save them all. Taken from your local SPCA site - Owners must know that SPCA cannot continue receiving animals and keep them all. SPCA currently receives 1200 dogs, puppies, cats and kittens. Only 10% get adopted. The rest are put to sleep. The owners must be part of the euthanasia process if SPCA informs them that the chances of adoption are low. On another note, I also came across a nasty site: http://malaysiandogsdeservebetter.blogspot.com Are they an organization like your local SPCA or Petpositive? I couldn't find their official website anywhere. I resent the fact that the writer of the blog had labeled animal control officers as murderers. Is the writer stating that the all animal control agencies including RSPCA, ASPCA and your local SPCA are murderers as well? I suggest that the writer should research more before making such comments. Anyway, my kudos to Petpositive and the CAT project.I will look forward to following your blog when I get back home! Joe Retired Animal Control Officer - USA

Bloggers note: Thank you Joe for writing and sharing your expert view with us. We appreciate your support for our Blog. Petpositive is a national non profit organisation that is registered with the government of Malaysia. We have our tax exempt status.

We are most honoured to have you as one of our followers from now on.  

TOMORROW IN PET+BLOGSPOT: DOG BLOG LAMBASTED

PET+BLOGSPOT is the official online blog of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive). Our contents are ACCURATE, RELIABLE and THE LATEST. We offer both local and foreign news on animals, disability and the elderly. PET+BLOGSPOT was first established in October 2007. Our hits since then is 40,000 hits and counting. PET+BLOGSPOT is updated daily. Kindly take note that views expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of PETPOSITIVE. You may also visit our Webpage by browsing: www.petpositive.com.my