I was disheartened to note that Malaysia has again come under the spotlight for the ill-treatment of animals.

The alleged cruel act of dog catchers in the Subang Jaya Municipal Council has caught the attention of an international animal welfare organisation from half-way around the globe (”Animal welfare: A blemish on Malaysia’s image” — NST, Nov 18).

I condemn the inhumane conduct of the dog catchers for treating the stray dog in such a manner, if it was true.

But who comes to the rescue of strays? What are our animal associations doing about it? Or are they not interested in strays?

There are organisations such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Malaysian Kennel Association, PAWS and the Malaysian National Animal Welfare Foundation.

Sad to say, most of these organisations seem to concentrate on pedigrees only.

When a dog is badly treated and the story is highlighted, everybody is quick with his criticism on how cruelly these animals have been treated.

But what about solutions? Has any organisation bothered to offer solutions or attempted to work with municipalities to solve the problem of stray dogs?

Stray dogs can be found around eateries, markets, stalls and neighbourhoods looking for food.

Many become carriers of disease.

Of course, they are also not pretty to look at and, hence, do not get the attention their pedigree counterparts enjoy.

My suggestion is that organisations that care for dogs — besides having competitions for the best groomed, smartest, cutest, biggest and smallest dogs — should also do their part in working with the authorities to make sure there are no strays.

Then there will be no reason for dog catchers to be employed by municipal councils.

BATHMAVATHI KRISHNAN, Petaling Jaya

Source: NST – November 20, 2008