I was feeling pretty rotten and upset over the news and issue recently where a Muslim dog trainer was arrested for a video with her dogs wishing everyone Hari Raya.
And what a terrible pity that such a story should bother all of us at this auspicious month of Ramadan and Aidilfitri, more so after knowing that the video made its first appearance about three years ago.
So why all the fuss now? And why with such fervour and harshness?
I didn't get to see the whole video but only parts of it in Malaysiakini. I believe it was sufficient to give us readers an idea of what went on.
So what did I think about it quickly?
1) To tell you the truth, I can see why some people were upset by the video. They were probably unhappy at the way their religion appeared to be trivialised with rituals meant for human beings that were now being performed on or by dogs and so on.
2) However to the dog trainer, it is very obvious that she loved her dogs very much and obviously her faith too. And I guess in her perspective she wanted so much to show the world how she could bring both of the worlds together without hostility. I believe her when she pointed out that the last thing that she intended to do was to to be disrespectful to anyone or her religion.
I guess in her enthusiasm she wanted her video to educate people how important her dogs were in her life and it did not stop her from being a good Muslim.
It was important for the dog trainer to illustrate this as part of her education about dogs because there are some people who claim that dogs are bad in Islam.
Anyone knowing about the role of canines to help humanity such as in guide work for the blind, service aid for the handicapped and rescue dogs know that this cannot be possibly true.
However, as a dog trainer myself, I must admit that I didn't agree with the trainer on why she tried to make her dogs observe rituals that are observed exclusively by humans. As much as we may love dogs, we must understand that they are not human beings and can't understand or think like them.
But then again, it is not really my business to comment on this as this is about the dog trainer's life and her personal faith in God.
3) What really peeved me is the way she was treated. She was arrested and that was really ludicrous compared to the way that crime is spreading everywhere.
And taking such a stand on the issue I worry will stoke negative and prejudice perceptions on dogs in particular in our society that animal welfare groups have been fighting against for years.
Speaking of them, why have such groups like SPCA and others remaining tight-lipped about the issue, one wonders? I certainly didn't come across any groups making any statements.
For now, I am glad that outspoken lawyer Latheefa Koya is representing her. Lat, who was a former MBPJ Councillor, no doubt will give the dog trainer unflinching support to get over this.
She must get over this and get back to her dogs. And so must we, as a Malaysian society.
In the meantime, as a non Muslim, I pray that this holy month of Ramadan, will help us all reflect on our own thoughts and actions on fighting hate and prejudice in this world.
A blessed Aidilfitri to everyone!
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