Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Local Councils Need New Mindset On Animal Care

The following is Cruzin Thots second part of his views of MBPJ's animal seminar recently: 

Part II

Now for my take on the whole situation ...
 
Society as we know it in Malaysia today, has sacrificed everything- their philosophy, morality, dignity,  humanity, rights and even "souls"- at the altar of prosperity.
The injustices we perpetrate is often justified for selfish reasons from personal opinions, to "stress", to law, to family, to money and sadly, even religion/"God".
The sufferings of animals who are the most vulnerable & voiceless is just another manifestation of the moral degradation and bankruptcy we suffer from. It is time we take a good look at ourselves, before we find fault with the system, the education our neighbours or whichever punching bag we may find around us.


In the above forum- except for En Zul, I sensed "defensiveness" on part of certain speakers who only highlighted "how well they were doing" to justify their actions or opinions.

When the discussion was opened to the floor, it was queried to all on the panel(by yours truly)- while on one hand the local councils were catching the strays, and the NGOs are "rescuing" them-
 
if there were any local laws/ efforts at addressing the root cause of the problem .... the adequate monitoring of (licensed/ unlicensed) dog ownership, breeding and trade of animals by the local health authorities.....


  • Was there a database for it so that we had something to refer to to  determine ownership of all domestic pets- be they cats, dogs, birds, iguanas, snakes or whatever? (one member of the floor suggested an online database)
  • Did they (DVS/ Local Councils) have a stratified licensing program (for ownership and/or breeding) wherein ownership/guardianship, breeding and trade in animals was monitored?
  • Did they have pet "owners" ("trustee" or "guardian" would be a more politically correct word here- after all, you cannot "OWN  a life") sign a letter of undertaking to abide by guidelines?
  • Were there checks on owners by the authorities?
  • Was there a penalty for abandoning pets?

While many of the answers were evasive at best- Edmond Bon gave a very simple, good and short answer - "NO they didn't!!"
 
So, that means- for now, the public, the NGOs and the local authorities are actually being quite clueless in addressing the issue of strays (be they cats- which are not licensed at all- or dogs) or any other animal related matter!!

One party is allowing the embers to glow, while the other is putting out the bushfire ... while the "pyromaniacs" are having a party!!

We are admittedly, a society which indulges in symptomatic solutions - just as we do with all other social problems we have in our country- and as such, is paralyzed by it!! Then we wonder why ....

Somehow, I believe that we're all being too myopic and selfish by taking care of our own interests (yes, me too- mea culpa- as I only got involved after being personally affected), fail to look at the bigger picture and prevent the problems resulting from unfettered breeding, trade and irresponsible ownership.
It is therefore no surprise that the problem only perpetuates itself- and if we were to go on like this, we will only fail further and create more discontent and conflict in society.

So, while I suggest that Local Councils look into the above matters, I'd also suggest that we have a change in our mindsets- by regarding Animals as living beings, rather than "property". Just as women and children are no longer considered "property" as in the old days, let us as higher intelligent beings and trustees of this world, accord animals their rights as a legitimate part of our society.

It is therefore hoped that those who have the means to bring about the changes (Govt, politicians, NGOs) would work together and campaign for a constitutional place/protection for animals in our society - as living beings we share the world with, rather that "property", with which we may do as we please.

All in all- I must say that it was a very good experience which was not only educational, but made me reassess some opinions I held in the past ...

Bravo MBPJ!!

Bravo, Anthony!!

You make a difference ....



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