I WOULD like to comment on the recent report about the alleged cruel treatment of a stray dog by a team of dog catchers employed by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council. But first, I would like to explain why an international animal welfare organisation has taken an interest in this issue.

The Mayhew Animal Home & Humane Education Centre has been rescuing and caring for abandoned and unwanted animals in London since 1886 and today, our work extends to places as far as Afghanistan, Russia, Romania and Algeria.

We advise city governments, provide special training for veterinarians and animal management personnel, and promote best practices across a wide spectrum of animal welfare activity.

We have a network of contacts across the globe and in recent times, we have received an increasing number of disturbing reports from Malaysia about the treatment of animals, especially stray animals.

The latest report we received from Kuala Lumpur was about a dog which was allegedly beaten and injured as it was forced through the railings of a locked gate by dog catchers working for the Subang Jaya Municipal Council.

We believe the dog is now being kept in a pound and requires veterinary treatment for its injuries, which should at the very least raise searching questions about the methods used in catching it.

I understand that the incident has been reported to the Puchong police and, while one does not wish to prejudge any investigation, I have to say that this is not the first time that concerns about the operational practices of Malaysian dog catchers have been brought to our attention.

Apart from the complaints of local animal welfare activists, we have also received a number of critical independent reports from contacts in Europe and Asia after they visited Kuala Lumpur on business or as tourists.

The concerns raised include the excessively rough methods used by the dog catchers and the primitive conditions observed at the dog pounds.

From a professional point of view, I would be interested to know what procedures are applied when local councils recruit staff to carry out this work and, crucially, what level of training is provided.

Malaysia is a successful country that thrives on international commerce, tourism and the financial sector and has a right to be proud of its achievements in a fiercely competitive world.

However, Malaysia’s image abroad is in danger of being tarnished by the negative impression left on visitors when they witness stray companion animals being treated without respect or compassion, especially when this is done by the very people officially responsible for them.

The Kuala Lumpur Tourism Action Council website waxes lyrical about the joys of visiting KL, exclaiming: “KL offers a wholly unique experience to visitors.”

As someone who has a great affection for Malaysia and its people, I am sad to say that the individuals who contacted us about distressing animal welfare issues after they visited KL made it very clear that they had had “a unique experience” that is very far removed from the image projected by the Tourism Action Council, and is most assuredly one they do not wish to repeat.

JAMES HOGAN for Mayhew Animal Home & Humane Education Centre London

Source: NST – November 17, 2008