Please Keep Your Furkid On A Leash At All Times.

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Don't Own A Dog If You Are Not Ready For The Responsiilities, Says DVS

PETPOSITIVE NEWSFLASH!



DATELINE KUALA LUMPUR

Dato Dr Aziz Jamaluddin

IF YOU WANT to keep a dog and are not quite ready for the responsibility of owning one; DON'T!

That's the message that  Director-General of the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Dato Dr Abdul Aziz Jamuluddin would like to urge wannabe dog owners.

Speaking to reporters after the launch of the Malaysian Kennel Association's (MKA) international dog competition in Jalan Dagang here last Saturday, DVS DG Dato' Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin said owning a dog was a huge responsibility.

Dr Aziz gesturing as MKA president Larry looks on

"Every potential pet owner should know this. Getting a dog is not like purchasing something from a supermarket," Dr Aziz cautioned. 

"It's not like getting a fish from an aquarium shop to rear at home. Don't be fooled by what a pet shop salesman tells you - listen to the dog you want to look after yourself!" Adds the DG.

Dr Aziz advises all would be dog owners to do some homework first. 

"Read all about the canine breed that you want to own first," he says. 

"If you haven't been to a seminar or dog show like those organised by the MKA and others, sign up for them first in order to give you a better idea of the responsibilities that your decision will involve.

"Don't make the fatal mistake like those who get a dog to protect their homes but end up having the animal a threat to the neighbourhood instead.

Dr Aziz stressed that local councils should also get into the act of educating pet owners about responsible pet keeping before they decide to own pets.

"The MKA's show (last Saturday) was world class. The NGO should do more to spread their excellent work to more members of the public as a means of education and awareness about responsible pet ownership," said Dr Aziz who owns two dogs himself.

Dr Aziz also encouraged PETPOSITIVE to involve more disabled and elderly persons to the benefits of animal-assisted therapy.

"This is especially timely as Malaysia moves into an ageing society," he concluded.

The MKA event witnessed the participation of more than 300 canines and 1,500 people. 
The canine championships were held over two days during the weekend. 

(For more, see Wheel Power in PET+BLOGSPOT tomorrw)

PET+BLOGSPOT is the ONLINE BLOG of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association or Petpositive. Our stories are CURRENT, ACCURATE and RELIABLE. 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 are now 150,000 and ever increasing! PET+BLOGSPOT is updated daily. Kindly note that views expressed in PET+BLOGSPOT are not necessarily those of PETPOSITIVE. You may also visit our Webpage by browsing: www.petpositive.com.my You can also find us in Facebook under PETPOSITIVE EMPOWERMENT. Please sign up as a FOLLOWER of this Blog if you haven't done so already in order to show us your kind support for our work. Thank you!

WHEEL POWER: My Doggie Adventure Week

WEEKEND VIEW #1

IT’S amazing at what one can do even if you are in a wheelchair.  

And greater still, the wonderful people out there who simply refuse to see handicaps in front of them.

These human gems – who don’t have disabilities themselves – would much rather focus on the abilities of each individual person they come in contact with in their daily lives to offer the best support possible for people with disabilities.

Last week was an occasion with loads of lessons about this personally for me – as I got down to tackle one of my most favourite issues next to disability: Dogs!

After a three-month “temporary absence” as councillor for the city of Petaling Jaya (MBPJ), I managed to get our once-a-month Canine Advisory Team (CAT) where I serve as chairman going again on Monday.

CAT is a special committee primarily to look into issues of canines in the city and come up with effective and more importantly humane methods in solving them.  

It was a terrific start as the meeting was packed with representatives not only from MBPJ but other local councils as well.

They came from virtually every corner of the state: Sabak Bernam, Sepang, Kuala Selangor, Selayang, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang.

The all-important Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) from Selangor was also with us, along with the Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association made up of private veterinarians. 

Of course, animal welfare NGOs and individuals who were pet lovers were also present.

Unusually, we had two students from University Malaya who were doing a research on animal-assisted therapy in Malaysia. They were given last minute invites.

The three-hour meeting was a blast. We managed to cover an incredible number of topics in such a “relatively short” time span.

A main focus was for the need to have dog parks so that pets can have access to regular exercise. It was pointed out that not only human beings found it extremely therapeutic for healthy living to walk in the park but dogs do too.

Canines that are confined at home or in a cage would be better adjusted socially and be less of a nuisance problem to local councils if they had a park to go to for regular exercise and exposure.

CAT decided to set up a committee at once to identify suitable areas to start a “test-case park” where owners who brought their dogs would be responsible for their pets. This means keeping them on a leash all the time and promptly picking up after them.

On Wednesday it was another CAT meeting, this time with the Klang Municipality (MPK) where I also serve as chairman.

I met up with the Health Director Zulkifli Abbas to talk about the special launching of their local pound later this year.

MPK’s pound is set to become the nation’s first to follow to the letter the guidelines set by the DVS in Putrajaya on pound management.

          

In doing so, it is hoped that MPK’s pound will be a model to all other pounds in the country for its effectiveness and care for the animals during their stay.

Incidentally, the MPK pound and PJ dog park, will be wheelchair-friendly, to allow people with disabilities to also participate.

On Friday the close to 90 year old Malaysian Kennel Association and Petpositive – where I serve as president – met up with the Director-General Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin of the DVS in Putrajaya to express our concern about targeting dogs instead of irresponsible pet owners who are really to blame when canines misbehave.

The positive outcome of that meeting is that the DVS will be coming up with a dog owner’s guidebook in October of this year that will have all the necessary and accurate facts in choosing a dog and bringing it up responsibly.

The chief message: No bad dogs; only bad owners. Syabas DVS!

My “dog adventure” week ended on Saturday with another triumphant note on responsible pet ownership. I was invited to a dog seminar where MKA educated an audience of dog lovers on how to bring up their pets responsibly.

During the questions from the floor, someone insinuated that the recent dog mauling case of an elderly jogger in Subang Jaya was because he must have provoked the animal.

The statement alleged and implied as if what transpired from the incident was “okay” when a dog is provoked.

My response from Petpositive was to point out to him that no matter how much we loved dogs, no one should condone an animal attack especially when a death had occurred.

Every person has the right to a safe environment outside their houses – more so if they are disabled, elderly or children. Dogs do and always should be used for positive purposes such as for therapy and healing – never for violence, injury or harm.

As a councillor I reiterated: No dogs should be let outside its compound without being accompanied by its owner – no matter how “well trained” owners claim they are.  

  

A problem dog is the result of an irresponsible owner. 

THE END  

PET+BLOGSPOT is the ONLINE BLOG of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association or Petpositive. Our stories are CURRENT, ACCURATE and RELIABLE. 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 are now 150,000 and ever increasing! PET+BLOGSPOT is updated daily. Kindly note that views expressed in PET+BLOGSPOT are not necessarily those of PETPOSITIVE. You may also visit our Webpage by browsing: www.petpositive.com.my You can also find us in Facebook under PETPOSITIVE EMPOWERMENT. Please sign up as a FOLLOWER of this Blog if you haven't done so already in order to show us your kind support for our work. Thank you!

WHEEL POWER: Even Dogs Need A Park

Thursday August 2, 2012

Even dogs need a park

WHEEL POWER
By ANTHONY THANASAYAN

THERE are wonderful people out there who simply refuse to see handicaps in front of them. They would rather focus on the abilities of each individual they meet, and offer the best support possible for people with disabilities.

Last week brought many lessons for me as I got down to tackle one of my favourite subjects – dogs!
After a three-month “temporary absence” as Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillor, I managed to get our Canine Advisory Team (CAT) going again on Monday.

CAT is a special committee which looks into issues involving canines in the city and comes up with humane methods to solve the problems. The meeting was packed with representatives from MBPJ and other local councils.

Also present were representatives from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), the Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association, animal welfare NGOs and pet lovers.

We covered a wide range of topics during the three-hour meeting. The main focus was the need to have dog parks so that pets can have access to regular exercise. Human beings are not the only ones who find it therapeutic to walk in the park; even dogs do!

Canines that are confined at home or in a cage would be better adjusted socially and be less of a nuisance to local councils if they had a park to go to for regular exercise.

CAT decided to set up a committee to identify suitable areas to start a “test-case park” where owners who brought their dogs would be responsible for their pets. This means keeping them on a leash at all times, and promptly picking up after them.

On Wednesday it was another CAT meeting, this time with the Klang Municipality (MPK). I met up with MPK health director Zulkifli Abbas to talk about the launch of their local pound later this year.
MPK’s pound is set to become the nation’s first to follow to the letter the guidelines on pound management as set by the DVS. It is hoped that MPK’s pound will be a model for other pounds in the country. The MPK pound and PJ dog park will be wheelchair-friendly.

On Friday, the Malaysian Kennel Association and Petpositive met up with DVS director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin to express our concern over the tendency to target dogs instead of irresponsible pet owners who are really to blame when canines misbehave.

The outcome of that meeting is that the DVS will be coming out with a dog owner’s guidebook in October. The guide will also include a chapter on animal-assisted therapy.

My week ended on a positive note when I was invited to a dog seminar where MKA educated an audience of dog lovers on how to bring up their pets responsibly.

During the session on questions from the floor, someone insinuated that the recent dog mauling case involving an elderly jogger in Subang Jaya, may have happened because he provoked the animal.
In response, I pointed out that no matter how much we love dogs, no one should condone an animal attack, especially when a death has occurred.

Everyone has the right to a safe environment outside their homes. Dogs should be used for positive purposes such as for therapy and healing, never for anything that involves violence or injury.
No dog should be let outside its compound without being accompanied by its owner. A problem dog is the result of an irresponsible owner.

Check out the unabridged version on www.petpositive.blogspot.com on the weekend.

PET+BLOGSPOT is the ONLINE BLOG of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association or Petpositive. Our stories are CURRENT, ACCURATE and RELIABLE. 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 are now 150,000 and ever increasing! PET+BLOGSPOT is updated daily. Kindly note that views expressed in PET+BLOGSPOT are not necessarily those of PETPOSITIVE. You may also visit our Webpage by browsing: www.petpositive.com.my You can also find us in Facebook under PETPOSITIVE EMPOWERMENT. Please sign up as a FOLLOWER of this Blog if you haven't done so already in order to show us your kind support for our work. Thank you!

Brilliant Dog Awareness By MKA

From PETPOSITIVE FACEBOOK: 

A BIG THANK U to PETPOSITIVE volunteer Nicholas Foo (above) for helping me out yesterday at the Dog Seminar in the Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya on the same day. 

Nick came over to my house to help me dress up and tagged along with me to the event which was put together by YB Hannah Yeoh and the Malaysian Kennel Association from Kuala Lumpur.

About 60 persons attended the two hour event. It was extremely education and MPSJ needs credit for hosting the plenty of food-for-thought gathering.

The MKA's presentations were brilliant covering dog behaviour, dog training and responsible pet ownership.

The seminar was attended by dog lovers, NGOs, dog breeders and trainers.

Nick thought it was a very informative event and currently has all the pictures which he should upload soon. (Hey Nick, please get on with it; or I'll have to report you to your younger bro Marcus who also administrates this page!)

Happy Doggy Awareness All!
aNtPET+BLOGSPOT is the ONLINE BLOG of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association or Petpositive. Our stories are CURRENT, ACCURATE and RELIABLE. 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 are now 150,000 and ever increasing! PET+BLOGSPOT is updated daily. Kindly note that views expressed in PET+BLOGSPOT are not necessarily those of PETPOSITIVE. You may also visit our Webpage by browsing: www.petpositive.com.my You can also find us in Facebook under PETPOSITIVE EMPOWERMENT. Please sign up as a FOLLOWER of this Blog if you haven't done so already in order to show us your kind support for our work. Thank you!

PETPOSITIVE Meets DVS Over Banned Dog Breeds

PETPOSITIVE NEWSFLASH!

DATELINE PUTRAJAYA:

The Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (PETPOSITIVE) and the Malaysian Kennel Association (MKA) are meeting the Department of Veterinary Services right about now here to discuss the issue of breed-specific legislation. 

Both NGOs are here to express their doubts and strong concern about a booklet that the DVS had released last year listing down what the government body considers to be banned and restricted canine breeds in an attempt to create more responsible ownership of pets in the country. 

On the contrary, the animal NGOs argue that such a list will only create further misinformation about the breeds and will improve the business of illegal dog breeders who use such dogs for protection.

MKA on its part will be presenting its facts on how banning breeds had failed to lessen dog attacks in overseas countries. They will also show how other means of pet owner education will be more effective in society. 

Anthony Thanasayan who will be representing Petpositive and the Canine Advisory Teams of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and the Klang Municipality (MPK) will put his points across that creating fear in people is not the best way to educate residents and pet lovers.

Petpositive and MKA will be speaking to the Director-General of the Department of Veterinary Services, Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin.  (Left)

Said Thanasayan, "Datuk Dr Aziz is so far the most approachable and understanding of the previous DGs and we are confident of taking our message through to him in the interest of all animals in the country."  

Stay with  PET+BLOGSPOT for the outcome of today's meeting.

PET+BLOGSPOT is the ONLINE BLOG of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association or Petpositive. Our stories are CURRENT, ACCURATE and RELIABLE. 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 are now 150,000 and ever increasing! PET+BLOGSPOT is updated daily. Kindly note that views expressed in PET+BLOGSPOT are not necessarily those of PETPOSITIVE. You may also visit our Webpage by browsing: www.petpositive.com.my You can also find us in Facebook under PETPOSITIVE EMPOWERMENT. Please sign up as a FOLLOWER of this Blog if you haven't done so already in order to show us your kind support for our work. Thank you!

Dog Seminar In MPSJ HQ On Saturday

Best Friend Or Killer?

NEWS ALERT!

 

DATELINE MPSJ HQ, SUBANG JAYA:

 

A awareness raising seminar on pets will be held this Saturday here from 10am to 12noon. 

 

About 200 people are expected to attend. The talks is open to all and admission is free of charge. 

 

The event is being organised by the office of YB Hannah Yeoh and the Malaysian Kennel Association (MKA).

 

The seminar is a result of the recent tragedy when an elderly jogger was mauled to death by an owner's dog in Subang Jaya.

 

The speakers for the day will cover issues of so-called "dangerous breeds" to what causes dogs to attack. They will also speak on how such events can be prevented.

 

PETPOSITIVE will be present at the event. Though we are not lined up as speakers, Our Society will be participating from the floor. 

 

So see you on Saturday and please tell all your friends about this exciting event!

 

The venue is in MPSJ's Laman Kenangan Hall in MPSJ in USJ 5 in Subang Jaya.     

 

PET+BLOGSPOT is the ONLINE BLOG of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association or Petpositive. Our stories are CURRENT, ACCURATE and RELIABLE. 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 are now 150,000 and ever increasing! PET+BLOGSPOT is updated daily. Kindly note that views expressed in PET+BLOGSPOT are not necessarily those of PETPOSITIVE. You may also visit our Webpage by browsing: www.petpositive.com.my You can also find us in Facebook under PETPOSITIVE EMPOWERMENT. Please sign up as a FOLLOWER of this Blog if you haven't done so already in order to show us your kind support for our work. Thank you!

Animal NGOs Respond To Dog Attack - Some Of Their Bite Is Worse Than Their Bark

aNt's aNgle: There is a flurry of reports in The Star today on the dog-mauling incident that took the life of an elderly jogger two days ago.

Whilst I can appreciate the many views being proffered on what might have caused the breed of dog, that is now being branded as a "miniature bull terrier cross", some of them are not only questionable but rather ludicrous as well!

Suddenly, everyone seems an expert as to what went wrong - from animal rescuers to dog trainers. 

That is, if the newspaper quoted them correctly. 

What, for instance, is SPCA Selangor saying when it refers to a dog with an aggressive nature? Are you referring to a particular dog or an entire breed?

What does Second Chance mean by "banned breeds"? Are you referring to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) booklet? I'm okay with the word "restricted breeds" meanings that owners who are not ready to meet the demands of particular breeds should never be allowed to own them.

As my quote in today's StarMetro says:

“Blaming the breeds is a fallacy. Any dog — regardless of breed — has a potential to attack anyone. The question is, how did it become a monster, and who trained it to attack people?”

What does MDDB mean in its amateurish remark about "indiscriminate cross breeding" when expert breeders say there should be no cross-breeding at all!

One dog-trainer raises a complete codswallop about bull terriers having a "mechanism in the jaw that allows it to lock up when it is clamped shut" which has absolutely no scientific backing. 

And another trainer wants the dog to be handed over to him.

I sincerely hope that it is to rehabilitate the pooch and give him over to an owner far, far away from civilisation to live out the rest of its days - and not to sell it back as a guard dog!

Anyway, read on guys and see what you think:

StarMetro:  

Thursday May 10, 2012

Extra care for aggressive dogs

By THO XIN YI
thoxinyi@thestar.com.my

OWNERS should be held responsible for the problems caused by their pets especially dogs.

Commenting on the bull terrier that mauled a 74-year-old man in Subang Jaya on Tuesday, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor chairman Christine Chin said owners must be very careful when handling dogs that are aggressive in nature.

“Owners must realise that big, working dogs need regular work-outs.

Escape route: The dog that attacked the elderly man apparently ran out through the garbage bin compartment of the house.

“We do not know how the dog in question was handled, but if a dog has been caged and leashed for a long period, it is likely that its energy is repressed,” she said.

Chin cautioned against caging up dogs without attending to their exercise needs.

“It’s dangerous for owners to just tie up the dogs as guard dogs, and not allocate time to exercise. These are the factors that make the dogs even more aggressive,” she said.

Chin also recommended dog owners to sign up for regular dog training sessions because the canines need exercise as well as social interactions.

Furry Friends Farm co-founder Sabrina Yeap is worried that dog owners would start chaining up their dogs and caging them throughout the day because of this incident.

She warned that it was a form of abuse to the pets.

“If the dogs need to be caged or chained up for a short period of time because they are sick or there are visitors, make sure that the cages are large enough for them to rest, and the chains are long enough for them to move,” she said.

Yeap said people tend to blame dogs’ behaviour, but the animal could be trained from young.

She said the aggressive behaviour of the dogs could be caused by the way they were handled by their owners or breeders.

“We don’t know how the overseas breeders raised their dogs. The process might be inhumane.

“We must give the dogs a loving environment,” she said.

Ho Lai Peng, from an independent dog rescue group called Second Chance, felt that the burden was on the authority to get to the root of the problem.

“They should find out whether anyone is breeding the dogs in Malaysia. How come this breed is so easily available? It is scary to say the least.

“People who own the forbidden breeds, too, should surrender their dogs voluntarily,” she said.

On the other hand, Petpositive president Anthony Thanasayan said the breeds should not be blamed for the accidents, but the way the canines were bred and brought up.

“Blaming the breeds is a fallacy. Any dog — regardless of breed — has a potential to attack anyone. The question is, how did it become a monster, and who trained it to attack people?” he said.

Dog trainers, in his opinion, must register with the local councils, and educate the animals to co-exist with people.

Dog breeders, too, have to evaluate dogs carefully before breeding them.

He also pointed out that the local councils did not provide a condusive environment for dogs.

“Their movements are restricted and dog owners are forced to keep the dogs within the house compound.

“The councils should educate pet owners on how to look after the dogs, and teach the public on how to avoid dog attacks,” he said.

Anthony was strongly against the idea of keeping dogs as guard dogs as the owners might not know the correct way of looking after the dogs.

Nonetheless, he felt that irresponsible dog owners, who let their pets wander freely, should be punished.

He hopes the authority will try its best to rehabilitate the bull terrier in this case instead of putting it to sleep.

Meanwhile, Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) assistant corporate director Azfarizal Abdul Rashid confirmed that the dog owner has a licence for the bull terrier.

However the owner has to adhere to the rules listed in the MPSJ Licensing of Dogs and Kennel Establishments Bylaws 2012.

“The dogs should be leashed and controlled by the owners when they are out of the premises. The owners cannot let their dogs wander freely.

“If the owners are found negligent and at fault, they could be fined RM1,000 and the dogs will be seized,” he said. Azfarizal added the case was still being investigated by the police and Selangor Veterinary Services Department.

Thursday May 10, 2012

Killer dog’s owners make appearance at victim’s funeral

By LOSHANA K. SHAGAR
loshana@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Barely 24 hours after 74-year-old Yip Sun Wah was mauled to death by a neighbour's miniature bull terrier cross, both families came together in the spirit of forgiveness.
The body of Yip, who celebrated his birthday 11 days ago, lay in a brown coffin at the Gui Yuan Crematorium in Petaling Jaya. As his family members grieved over his tragic death, the family that owned the dog that killed Yip early Tuesday morning came to pay their last respects.

They seemed apprehensive at first as they were unsure of the victim's family's response, but were embraced by Yip's wife Lim Yoke Kim, 73, and their eldest son Hon Mun, 51. Yip also leaves behind three other sons and two grandchildren.

Hon Mun said although they were bitter at first, it dissipated when the family came.

Words of comfort: The dog owner’s parents (right) console Lim while Hon Mun (left) is seen in the background at the Gui Yuan Crematorium in Petaling Jaya Wednesday. — RAYMOND OOI/The Star

“Nobody wanted this to happen, but we do not want this to linger and cause pain to everyone in the years to come.

“It's good that they (dog owner's family) came, we can see that they were very sincere and that's all I could ask for,” Hon Mun said.

The dog owner shed tears as did her parents and a friend who came with her.

They lit joss sticks and prayed before Yip's photograph, after which both families gathered for a 10-minute talk.

Hon Mun said he last saw his father just 45 minutes before he was killed while jogging in the neighbourhood.

“The last thing he said to me was thank you for the food and money'. One moment I was talking to him and the next moment he had left me.”

Yip, a former signboard maker, was described as a friendly person who would wave to people while jogging.

Right after Yip was attacked, a passer-by used his mobile phone to contact Hon Mun, who rushed to the scene.

“It was a horrifying sight to see your loved one lying motionless on the road in a pool of blood,” he said.

Earlier yesterday, Hon Mun sent an e-mail to his neighbours thanking them for their assistance.
In the e-mail, he expressed the wish that dog owners would learn to be more responsible for their pets.

“If my father's death can be a wake-up call to all dog owners, his death would not have been in vain,” he said.

Yip will be cremated at 2pm on Saturday at the Gui Yuan Crematorium here.

Related Stories:

Thursday May 10, 2012

Cross-bred bull terrier a restricted breed, says vet dept D-G

PETALING JAYA: The dog that attacked and killed 74-year-old Yip Sun Wah is a miniature bull terrier cross which is a restricted breed in Malaysia.

Restricted breeds were not suitable as household pets, said Veterinary Services Department (DVS) director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin.

Such breeds, he added, were only meant for the use of military and enforcement agencies and not to be kept as pets.

He added that bull terriers were allowed to be kept as guard dogs providing they were given proper training and schooling.

“When an application is made to the local council for a licence for a restricted breed, the municipal agency will only issue the licence based on our recommendation,” said Dr Abdul Aziz. He said the DVS has published a guidebook to outline breed classification.

The guidelines can also be obtained at http://www.dvs.gov.my/web/guest/listband.

Dr Abdul Aziz also said restricted breeds were not supposed to be sold in pet shops.
He added that the DVS was currently doing a trace to determine the supplier and find out how a restricted breed could have been made available to the owner.

“I will instruct our enforcement unit to check all pet shops to see if they are selling banned and restricted dog breeds,” said Dr Abdul Aziz.

Meanwhile, dog trainer Wellington Ho said bull terriers have very powerful jaws.

“There is a mechanism in the jaw which tends to lock up when it is clamped shut,” he said.
However, Ho was quick to point out that he personally knew of domesticated bull terriers that have been properly socialised.

“They have very sweet temperaments once they are properly socialised,” he said.

The dog that killed Yip had a valid licence issued by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council.

The case will be investigated by the police under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code for causing death by negligence, which carries a maximum of two years' jail, a fine or both.

Related Stories:

Thursday May 10, 2012

Time to regulate pet shops, say canine welfare groups

PETALING JAYA: Canine welfare groups are outraged over the death of 74-year-old Yip Sun Wah after he was mauled by a miniature bull terrier cross.

They claimed that one of the reasons behind Yip's death was the poor regulation of pet shops, which sell restricted breeds suspected of being obtained from backyard breeders.

Save a Stray founder Jacqueline Tsang said Yip's tragic death was due to irresponsible breeders who did not ensure the bull terrier's owner had the expertise to handle the dog.
“I also hold the enforcers liable for not ensuring the restriction (on restricted breeds) was being properly implemented,” said Tsang.

Canine rescue project Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better coordinator Irene Low said it was time for the authorities to seriously regulate pet shops that sold such animals.

“Only then can backyard breeders, who carry out unethical breeding, be put out of business as they would not have a platform to sell their dogs and puppies,” she said.

According to Low, unethical breeders also had a tendency to cross-breed dogs that were not compatible with each other.

“When indiscriminate cross-breeding is done, it can seriously affect the dogs' temperament,” she said.

Furry Friends Farm founder Sabrina Yeap said the temperament of a dog was usually influenced by the environment it was brought up in.

“Whatever the breed, what matters most is the upbringing. I personally know of bull terriers that are loving family pets,” said Yeap.

KL Pooch Rescue co-founder Shannon Lam said the loss of a father and husband to any violent attack was unspeakable.

“Equally tragic is a society that seeks to punish a beast for behaving as such rather than punishing those who are behind its aggression,” she added.

Meanwhile, sources say several rescue groups are getting together to request the authorities not to euthanise the dog.

Dog trainer and G-Pet Boarding and Training Centre Carlos Huertez said he would take the dog in if the authorities were willing to hand over the bull terrier.

FROM NST today:

 KUALA LUMPUR: THE family of a senior citizen who was killed by a dog hoped that his death would be a wake-up call to all other dog owners.

"My father's death should not be in vain. Dog owners should realise the huge responsibility they have if they own fierce dogs," said Yip Hon Mun, the eldest son of the victim, Yip Sin Hua.

Hon Mun was speaking to reporters outside the Kuala Lumpur Hospital mortuary where he was waiting to claim the body of his father who was attacked by a dog, said to be a crossbreed between an American Staffordshire and miniature bull terrier.

"My family is still in shock. It is our hope now that owners will be more responsible by taking all necessary measures to ensure their dogs do not pose a danger to anyone," said the 51-year-old Hon Mun, who runs a trading company.

"Anyone could have fallen victim to that dog."

He said his family does not hold any grudges against the owner of the dog, which answers to the name Beacon.

"The dog owner and her family visited my family yesterday to apologise and pay their last respects to my dad," said Hon Mun.

"We are leaving the investigations to the authorities and will not pursue the matter."
The victim, Yip, who turned 74 on April 28, was a retired signboard maker in the family-owned business.

On Tuesday morning, while out on his regular jog along Jalan SS19/5B in Subang Jaya, he was attacked by Beacon who had escaped from its owner's house.

"My parents had been living in the area for more than 20 years. My father was probably the only senior citizen in the area who still jogged at that age. He was well-known in the SS19 neighbourhood. He was a pleasant person with a big heart," Hon Mun said.

"I was the last person to speak to my father when I called him just before he went for his jog."
Witnesses said two people hit the dog on the head with an umbrella and a stick but the canine did not let go of its grip of Yip's neck. The victim was believed to have been killed on the spot.
Veterinary Services Department officials later sedated the dog before taking it away.

The dog is now under the care of the department, which will monitor its behaviour for two weeks, apart from checking for various diseases.

The owner of the dog, said to be a 25-year-old female accountant, is being investigated for causing death by negligence. She faces a maximum jail sentence of two years, a fine, or both upon conviction. Additional reporting by V. Shuman

Read more: Jogger's death a wake-up call for dog owners - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/jogger-s-death-a-wake-up-call-for-dog-owners-1.82299#ixzz1uRefbSBQ

PET+BLOGSPOT is the ONLINE BLOG of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association or Petpositive. Our stories are CURRENT, ACCURATE and RELIABLE. 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 are now 150,000 and ever increasing! PET+BLOGSPOT is updated daily. Kindly note that views expressed in PET+BLOGSPOT are not necessarily those of PETPOSITIVE. You may also visit our Webpage by browsing: www.petpositive.com.my You can also find us in Facebook under PETPOSITIVE EMPOWERMENT. Please sign up as a FOLLOWER of this Blog if you haven't done so already in order to show us your kind support for our work. Thank you!

The Hypocrisy Of Pet Lovers And Animal Activists, Says One Reader

LATEST: DVS to hold special meeting next week with animal lovers: Click HERE.

DATELINE PETALING JAYA: 

THE INCIDENT last week of the Ipoh City Council (MBI) shooting to death a therapy dog in Taman Merdeka in Perak raised the hackles of scores of animal lovers throughout the nation.


PET+BLOGSPOT's was jammed with visitors in and outside the country who were quick to condemn the local council's action as barbaric and unforgiving. 

One reader, however, surprised us yesterday with his reaction to all the current publicity that has been raised over the issue.

He even went to the extent of calling us over the telephone to personally share with us his opinion on the subject.

The reader named "TS" spoke out against what he described as "the hypocrisy of nongovernmental animal groups and their activists."

"Some animal activists are incredibly selfish," he told PET+BLOGSPOT.

"They only think of the animal and don't care two hoots about human beings," he added, before going on to explain about the 8-month ordeal he endured with a stray dog in Section 17 in PJ, Selangor. 

"It stood outside of my house and was a danger to everyone in the neighbourhood for weeks and months.

"It would chase after us, and would terrify children and the elderly."

Animal lovers, he said, just kept feeding the dog instead of trying to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation. 

They made no attempts to try and re-home the animal, at best, so that it would no longer pose a danger in the neighbourhood.

TS tried to get a couple of animal shelters to help get rid of the dog. However, according to him, they flatly refused.

"One of the front-desk staff even had the nerve to tell me that they were only interested in animal's welfare and not in human beings," he claimed.

TS only solution therefore was to get help from the local council - in this case, the Petaling Jaya City Council or MBPJ.

Although he said he had to wait a while for action to be taken, the MBPJ dog-catching team finally caught the stray and handed it over to an animal shelter. 


TS who has never owned a dog in his life or had one as a pet in his family says he is not against dogs.

However, he strongly feels that pet owners should clearly start to change their doting attitudes on their dogs and act more responsibly.


Practices like walking their canines without a leash, or allowing them to defecate in the neighbourhood or at other peoples' homes without promptly picking up after them only make non pet owners get annoyed with them all the more.


"If pet lovers and animal activists wish to get more support for their causes, they should also start acting responsibly towards their fellow man," TS pointed out.

"I realise that it is often never the dog's fault but the owners when there is a problem with 'dogs'," he said.

"It must not be forgotten that local councils have an indispensable role to play in the management of stray dogs and cats in the environment," he concluded.

On our part, PETPOSITIVE made it clear to TS that the issue against the Ipoh City Council was their practice in shooting and killing dogs and not against the job of stray management in the city.

What do YOU think about TS' views? 

We would love to hear from you in our COMMENTS section below.
 


PET+BLOGSPOT is the ONLINE BLOG of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive). Our reports and stories are CURRENT, ACCURATE and RELIABLE. 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 now 70,000 and going strong! PET+BLOGSPOT is updated daily. Sometimes even twice or three times a day. 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 You can also find us in Facebook as PETPOSITIVE EMPOWERMENT. Please sign up as a FOLLOWER of this Blog if you haven't done so already in order to show us your kind support. Thank you!

A Good Home For Kitty With Najib

Yesterday we highlighted our PETPOSITIVE President's view on why he thought that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak should NOT have adopted the kitten he chanced upon at an exhibition hall last week. 

Today we print a different view by PETPOSITIVE Legal Adviser N Surendran on why he thinks Najib's move was a good one in highlighting the fact that all animals need a good home.

N Surendran is also president of Animal Rights and Welfare Society (ROAR).

Here is N Surendran's letter that was printed in Malaysiakini on Tuesday. 

 
LITTLE KITTY: NAJIB DID THE RIGHT THING   

There is often a complexity in the reasons for which men do things. Why did the prime minister
acquire the kitten?

He has had cats before, he liked this one, so he bought it. He thought it would be a good public relations exercise. Perhaps it was both – albeit in mixed and unquantifiable proportions.

Whatever the reason, he has given a home for a caged kitten, which was waiting for a home and an owner. Despite all the mockery from opposition quarters, I don't think anyone seriously suggests Najib or his family will be cruel to the kitten. It has found a good home.

Meanwhile, opposition figures have been tweeting furiously about the 'First Kitten'. Almost all of it has been snide, malicious and extremely ungracious. All sorts of politically suggestive mocking names have been proposed for the kitten.

I understand the very real and justifiable anger among the opposition against the BN government and its leaders. They have been unjust, oppressive and used all manner of disgraceful methods against civil society and the opposition.

But we surely must not allow this righteous and healthy indignation against an unfair state deteriorate into a kind of blind hatred against them.

As the great soul in the loincloth once said, 'Hate the sin, love the sinner". Whatever he may be guilty of, Najib did a good thing in taking that little kitten in. 

TOMORROW ON PET+BLOGSPOT: THE REAL POWER BEHIND WHEEL POWER

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

Lessons from the Prime Minister's cat

aNt's aNgle:

A Bernama report in Malaysiakini last Friday highlighted a purchase that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak simply could not resist.









As a result, Malaysians - and the world - quickly got to know the soft side of our number one man in the nation.

He couldn't bring himself to say "no" to a cute orange-and-white Persian kitten that he came across in a least likely of all places: at the launching exhibition of a "Buy Malaysia" campaign in the city.

It was obviously love at first sight for the seasoned and celebrated pet owner when he picked up the tiny feline creature in his arms and cuddled it.


Whilst this made for great front-story pictures in the newspapers, I can think of an even greater headline story and impact if the PM had acted in another way.




If only our PM had decided NOT to adopt kitty in front of all the cameras!


What a powerful message that would carry to everyone regarding impulse buying - especially when it involves a pet.


Frankly, no one - including the Prime Minister - should think of bringing home a pet after work especially if he had not thought about it when he went out of the house in the morning. 

Owning any pet should always be a serious and careful decision - not one that one feels at a particularly moment of time or place.

It should be planned weeks and months before inviting a special member into one's home - much like having a baby.  



Had he done that - or at least said a word or two on responsible pet ownership, little kitty would have managed to bring home a very powerful message to all Malaysians through its VVIP owner. 


The most important lesson being: pets should never be a spur-of-the-moment decision.


Owning any pet is a huge responsibility whether you are a Prime Minister or a peasant. 

Because many Malaysians don't seriously think about what involves pet ownership like feeding, caring and medical needs, they frequently end up as strays on the streets later left to face a life of neglect and cruelty.

It is for this reason also why I am totally against pets from animal shelters being sold at shopping complexes and supermarkets here in Malaysia.

How can anyone tell if the person is ready for a pet? Or what kind of background they are from without having a personalised time to get to know the person and his background well before letting them have a pet?


In the meantime, it was reported that our honorable PM had yet to come up with a name for kitty because he hadn't planned on having a new member of the family.


Well Sir, how about calling kitty "Just Say No!"

Malaysians so badly need to be educated on responsible pet ownership. 

Heaven knows, we all do!

PET+BLOGSPOT



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

TOMORROW ON PET+BLOGSPOT: NAJIB DID GOOD WITH KITTY

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)

PET+BLOGSPOT is the official online blog of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive).

We take pride in the fact that everything you read in our blog is ACCURATE, RELIABLE and THE LATEST.

Our blog which was first established in October 2007 currently has more than 35,000 hits. PET+BLOGSPOT is updated frequently.

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

Code of Practice for Pet Owners - bbc online

Pet owners face code of practice

Cats are solitary creatures but need entertainment, the government says

Cat and dog owners are to be told to provide "entertainment" and "mental stimulation" for their pets under new government advice.

The code of practice also includes advice on diet and providing "somewhere suitable to go to the toilet".

It says owners should watch for signs of stress and advises on introducing cats to dogs without the fur flying.

Owners will not be fined for breaking the rules but failure to comply may be used in animal cruelty prosecutions.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it wanted to remind pet owners of their responsibilities under the 2006 Animal Welfare Act.

The 26 page document on cat welfare begins with a warning to owners: "It is your responsibility to read the complete Code of Practice to fully understand your cat's welfare needs and what the law requires you to do."

Hot car warning

The document, which will be published as a leaflet and on Defra's website after an eight week consultation period, says owners must provide their pets with a "suitable place to live" including "somewhere suitable to go to the toilet". It also advises providing a separate litter tray for each cat.

This means no one will be able to claim ignorance as an excuse for mistreating any animal Hilary Benn Environment secretary

And it adds: "Cats need opportunities to climb and jump, such as a simple 'platform' type bed or safe access to shelves and the tops of cupboards.

"Cats that are not very tame, such as some farm cats, may prefer to live outdoors in more basic shelter but you still need to look after them."

The guidelines warn owners they could face prosecution for cruelty for leaving animals in hot cars.

And they give a detailed description of what constitutes normal behaviour - such as scratching and clawing - and tells owners to "watch your cat closely for signs of stress or changes in behaviour".

"Dogs should be introduced to cats very carefully; the dog should be held safely on a lead at first so that it cannot chase the cat," it adds.

On diet, it advises fresh food every day but warns "an obese cat is an unhealthy cat" adding "it is a good idea in a 'greedy' cat to have the measured food divided up into a number of meals per day".

Play advice

And it tells owners to provide suitable toys and "entertainment" for their cats.

"You should ensure that your cat has enough mental stimulation for you and from its environment to avoid boredom and frustration.

"It is your responsibility to provide opportunities for your cat to satisfy all of its behavioural needs, such as play and companionship."

But, the guide adds, cats are solitary creatures and the most common cause of stress is "coming into close contact with other cats they do not like".

Dog owners, by contrast, are given detailed instructions on ensuring their pets do not become lonely or isolated as "dogs are a social species and need the company of people, dogs or other animals".

There are similar guidelines for horse owners under the proposals, which are subject to an eight week consultation period. The proposed leaflet also includes the relevant sections of animal welfare legislation.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: "These three new codes of practice will outline the responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act and give practical advice on how to fulfil them.

"This means no one will be able to claim ignorance as an excuse for mistreating any animal."

Do you think issuing a code of practice is a good idea? Here is a selection of your comments.

We'll be given advice on how to breathe next.

Alex, Edinburgh

Unfortunately, the people in need of this advice (and there are many) are probably too stupid to read.
Martin, London

Once again the nanny state strikes, full of useless information and pointing out the blatently obvious, we need to stop wasting money on these useless things and put our taxes to more practical use.
Brian Whittaker, Manchester

Entertain a cat? When you remove the time our cat spends eating, sleeping and having a quick patrol around the garden there are no hours left in a day! That's on top of the fact that any form of disturbance whilst she's doing any of those things would be met with a look of total disgust.

Anyone who really knows how to care for and look after their pet doesn't need this advice. Anyone who does need to read it shouldn't be left alone with the poor animal. It's another waste of money that could have been put into proper animal welfare.
Des Howlett, Reading, England

Yes the code of practice is a good idea and as a dog owner I feel that a dog licence should be re introduced and it should be manditory to have i.d. on the dog i.e. a tag on the collar and/or chipped, also dogs must be kept on leads in public places and £2000 fine for dog fouling in public places.
Andy, Devon

Yes it is good to have these quidelines. People need to remember ALL animals are dumb therefore unable to communicate their needs: unlike their human counterparts
Marie Harvey , leicester

Good idea. For far too long, pets have been purchased and then neglected and people have been able to make excuses. They say ignorance is bliss - well not any more sunshine!
Amanda Caine, Cambridge

I've provided a small bridge and 'no fishing' sign for my goldfish. Is this sufficient under the 2006 Animal Welfare Act?

Phil, Berkhamsted, UK

It is a superb idea. I live next door to someone whose idea of looking after their cat is feeding it. It is only allowed in doors when they are at home, and as they are out all week, and stay away at weekends, the poor cat is like a stray, fights with my cat, eats her food, and costs me endless vets bills due to the stress it causes my cat. The sad thing is that the neighbours cat is a beautiful cat and deserves a loving home.
Alison Hammond, Mellis, Eye, Suffolk

This is the ultimate in interfering government! What next - feline rights? They should have better things to do with their time and our money than this.
Jennifer Hyde, Huntingdon

Next Gordon and his nanny state loving chums will be telling us how to walk our dogs...oh whoops he already is. Code of conduct on how to drink a cup of tea next Gordon? Has this Government got nothing better to do? Two wars, an economy on the verge of collapse failing health and education yet we all know how to feed our dogs when most people are struggling to feed themselves.
Bruce Mcaaw, Grantham

The world has gone mad or at least this government has. I wonder whether similar guidelines exist on how to treat children and elderly relatives? No doubt these guidelines will now be used by the scaremongers from the RSPCA to harass old ladies for not running around with their dogs every day or not buying their cats expensive toys. I also wonder how much public money has been spent on these guidelines. Whoever came up with this 'brilliant' idea should surely be sent to look for a real job together with the rest of the no doubt large department this person works in. What a shambles! I was entertaining the thought of having a cat as our boys are very fond of the idea. No chance of that now! Too dangerous. Better have another baby.
Mary, Cambridge

For a nation of supposed animal lovers there is a shocking level of animal cruelty in the UK. Anything that may improve this situation is a good idea although it's a shame people have to be encouraged or reminded to provide basic care for their animals.
Lorna, Ayrshire, Scotland

When will the big brother, nanny state ever stop interferring? It won't change peoples hearts or minds, good pet owners don't need the advice and bad owners won't care either way, it's just more namby pampy nonsense to keep the activists happy, who is going to keep checks and who is going to foot the bill?
Julian harris, Salford, UK

I think this is a great idea. Some people need to have these simple things outlined for them in plain English. A lot of people just get pets for the sake of it and often without thinking about the animals needs. It is also about time people were unable to get away with animal neglect. Bringing out these guidelines means they can no longer say they didn't know what they were doing or what they were supposed to be doing. I know it seems a bit of a waste of time but there are so many people out there who really shouldn't be getting away with what they are doing.
lucy, Southampton, UK

Just what we need at the beginning of a recession! An 8 week consultation on "How to pamper your pooch" Glad to see any excess from the government's rescue of the fat cat bankers is being used to teach us how to look after them.
Mike France, York

I worked in a pet shop and it is sometimes shocking how little people know about their pets health and lifestyle needs before they buy them. I think that the government is right to introduce a code of conduct or general information but 26 pages on cat care does seem a little excessive.
Natalie, Brighton, UK

It always pleases me when tougher guidelines and regulations against animal cruelty appear. However, why is there never anything about the most neglected pet in the UK (probably the world) - the rabbit? Most domestic rabbits live in tiny cages, with no exercise, poor hygiene and the wrong sort of food. It is a terrible tragedy that these beautiful animals are so often neglected by owners and the authorities.
Emma, Sussex,