Justice For Abused Animals "Absolutely Miserable"

Friday June 29, 2012

There’s no justice for abused animals, say welfare groups

PETALING JAYA: Animal welfare groups and pet owners have expressed disappointment over the current laws against animal abuse, saying that these are insufficient and should be changed.

Referring to the RM6,000 in total fines imposed on Petknode owners in court yesterday, Malaysian Animal Welfare Society president Shenaaz Khan described it as “absolutely miserable”.

“This shows that there is no justice for animals. This sends a message to criminals that they are free to commit heinous crimes (against animals) without punitive repercussions,” she said.

Cry for justice: Bazilah Bahrain from Scratch was in tears after the court session for the sentencing of the Petknode owners.

Under the Animal Act, under which the owners were charged with 30 counts of animal neglect, the maximum fine is only RM200 for each charge.

Shenaaz was among a group of about 30 people who turned up at a magistrate's court here to express their displeasure over the sentencing of the Petknode owners yesterday.

Many of those present had waved banners and placards with messages like “We are Malaysians and we love animals!” and “We want maximum jail time!”

Shenaaz said she was looking forward to the coming Animal Welfare Bill, currently being drafted, which would offer harsher penalties, such as a RM50,000 fine, a year in jail or both.

Stray Cat Rescue and Treatment Community Help (Scratch) volunteer Shahriza Idrus, 33, said the current provisions relating to animal abuse were not a deterrent.

“This is heartbreaking for animal lovers,” said Shahriza, who had helped out in the rescue of the neglected cats from Petknode's premises in Damansara Damai last year.

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