Latest news with #AnimalWelfareAct2015
The Sun
20 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Pop-up zoos condemned for exploitative practices
PETALING JAYA: Leashed to a chair and pacing beside a donation box, a meerkat at a Kuala Lumpur mall has become the face of growing public outrage over animal exploitation in Malaysia's booming pop-up zoo industry. The TikTok video that exposed the scene lasted less than a minute but the backlash was swift. Viewers flooded the comments, calling the display 'cruel', 'heartbreaking' and 'a disgrace'. In the background, shoppers walked by, seemingly unfazed by the small, visibly distressed animal tethered in place for public amusement. Animal welfare groups say what the public saw is just the surface of a much darker problem. 'These animals are not suited for confined spaces or constant human interaction,' said Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia president Kalaivanan Ravichandran, condemning the use of exotic species in temporary public exhibits. 'Using them for entertainment disrupts their natural behaviour, and causes physical and psychological stress.' He said the conditions in many of these pop-up exhibits amount to prolonged suffering for the animals. Often operating in legal grey areas, these setups use exotic species as photo props with little oversight or enforcement. 'Most of these setups prioritise profit over proper animal care. We often see signs of stress in the animals, inadequate enclosures and a lack of veterinary oversight,' he said, adding that their use is often unethical and lacks genuine educational or conservation value. He questioned whether operators comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which outlines minimum standards for housing, handling and exhibiting animals. Under the law, organisers must obtain permits from the Veterinary Services Department and Wildlife and National Parks Department, with regular inspections. 'All parties involved, such as event organisers, zoo operators and venue providers, must be held accountable. Organisers must uphold ethical standards, operators must ensure the animals' welfare and venues must enforce compliance with the law.' Kalaivanan also called for stronger enforcement by authorities. 'Laws are only effective when properly enforced. We urge both departments to adopt a firmer stance.' He appealed to the public to report suspected abuse and stop supporting entertainment that exploits animals. 'Animals deserve to be treated with dignity. If you witness mistreatment, do not stay silent. Speak up and report it. Together, we can create a society that protects and respects all living beings.' Veterinarian Dr Salehatul Khuzaimah Mohamad Ali said exotic animals, such as meerkats, are especially vulnerable to stress in captive environments. 'Meerkats are highly sensitive and could develop chronic stress when subjected to unfamiliar environments and constant human interaction. This stress weakens their immune system, making them more susceptible to illness.' She added that such animals may exhibit stereotypic behaviours (repetitive, unnatural actions, such as pacing or head bobbing), which are signs of mental distress. Without appropriate shelter or hiding places, they could become aggressive or withdrawn. Long-term confinement could even erase natural behaviours, such as burrowing, climbing or basking. Salehatul warned that cramped conditions and improper flooring could cause musculoskeletal issues while poor diets and irregular feeding may lead to obesity or malnutrition. 'Temporary setups often fail to maintain species-appropriate temperature and humidity. This increases the risk of dehydration, respiratory distress and even organ failure.' Inadequate hygiene and close public contact also raise the risk of parasitic infections, skin diseases and the transmission of zoonotic illnesses. 'A high standard of veterinary care is essential when displaying exotic animals in public settings.' She added that this includes health screenings, regular checkups, behavioural monitoring and proper documentation. 'A veterinarian must assess whether an animal is fit for public display. No animal should be forced to interact or perform under stress or poor health conditions.' She noted that event operators are required to have a qualified veterinarian either on-site or on-call throughout the exhibition period. She urged the public to reconsider the ethics of these exhibits. 'We need to move away from wildlife encounters that prioritise entertainment over welfare. It is time to shift public perception and stop supporting such practices.'
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
NGO submits memorandum calling for immediate halt to the culling of strays
ABOUT 200 people gathered outside the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in Precinct 1, Putrajaya, calling for an immediate halt to the culling of stray dogs. Among them was social activist and Global Human Rights Federation president S. Shashi Kumar, who handed a memorandum to a representative from the PMO. The memorandum called for the Federal Government to reform the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and look into the federation's proposals for humane methods of managing strays. Shashi said the increasing number of stray animals, particularly dogs, was a national crisis that must be addressed by the government. 'Instead, the government has taken the shortcut approach by killing these animals. 'These strays are also caught (by local councils) and placed in pounds with heavy 'bail' fees. Local councils charge up to RM2,000 per dog, which is extortion,' he claimed. Shashi said the group wanted the government to intervene by working with non-governmental organisations championing animal welfare to solve the problem, including allocating funds towards the matter. The handover was witnessed by the group, who held up banners and placards in a show of support. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Daily Express
18-07-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Government sticks to existing stray management policy but open to proposals
Published on: Friday, July 18, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 18, 2025 By: Yee Suet Mun, FMT Text Size: Presently captured strays are placed in shelters where they can be reclaimed by their owners, while unclaimed dogs are put up for adoption, says a government spokesman. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: The government says it will maintain its longstanding trap-reclaim-rehome-dispose (TRRD) approach to managing stray dogs, while remaining open to alternative proposals. The housing and local government ministry said it viewed the TRRD framework as the most practical approach for now, balancing between safeguarding public safety and ensuring strays are treated humanely. Advertisement 'We believe that the structured implementation of the existing TRRD method provides a practical system with potential to improve any shortcomings encountered,' a ministry spokesman told FMT. The spokesman said Putrajaya was open to suggestions but needed to exercise 'extreme caution' when considering alternative proposals. According to the spokesman, the ministry would first need to obtain feedback from other agencies and conduct a comprehensive study into the proposed measures—evaluating their efficacy, time and cost implications, practicality and social acceptance. Local governments are currently guided by a 2014 standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the ministry, which prescribes the use of the TRRD method for stray management. This involves capturing strays and placing them in shelters from where owners can reclaim their pets. Unclaimed dogs will then be put up for adoption, while the remaining may be put to sleep by a licensed veterinarian. Last November, housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming assured that euthanasia was only a 'last resort' measure under the TRRD approach. He said only strays that were sick or risked posing a nuisance or danger to the public would be put down. Nga also said the guidelines in force were in line with the Animal Welfare Act 2015, drawn up with input from the veterinary services department, local councils and animal welfare groups. NGOs can hold own trap-neuter-release programmes While it has not formally endorsed the trap-neuter-release (TNR) method mooted by several NGOs, the spokesman said the ministry was not opposed to its implementation—either by the NGOs independently or in collaboration with local councils—-provided it does not lead to complaints about public nuisance or pose safety and health concerns. 'If complaints are received, the local authority, veterinary department and other agencies will act in accordance with current SOPs,' the spokesman added. The ministry said it is presently finalising additional technical requirements to harmonise the implementation of the TRRD approach across local councils nationwide, with a greater emphasis on rehoming and reclaiming dogs wherever possible. The spokesman added that it would continue working with NGOs, veterinary professionals and the public to find practical and long-term solutions that protect both humans and animals. In April, the Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) submitted a budget proposal for the implementation of a trap-neuter-vaccinate-return-manage method to stray management by local councils nationwide. The NGO proposed a nationwide sterilisation programme, supported by government-funded shelters in every district—where 'problematic' dogs would be housed, while others are neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their original locations. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
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![[Watch] Abandoned Kitten Killed By Stray Dog After Being Left At Vet Clinic In Selangor](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ftherakyatpost.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Rakyat Post
15-07-2025
- Rakyat Post
[Watch] Abandoned Kitten Killed By Stray Dog After Being Left At Vet Clinic In Selangor
Subscribe to our FREE A tragic incident recently unfolded at a veterinary clinic in Semenyih, Selangor. CCTV footage captured what appeared to be a well-intentioned rescue attempt that ended in tragedy. The footage shows someone placing an injured kitten near the clinic entrance, accompanied by a pink Post-it note, before driving away. Minutes after the person left, stray dogs appeared and attacked the helpless kitten. Clinic's Frustration Goes Viral The animal didn't survive. Written in Malay, the handwritten note read: 'I found this kitten injured on the road… I want to treat it, but can't afford it. Forgive me. May fortune smile on you.' The veterinary clinic shared the note on social media. Now maybe the kitten is already dead… So how?? Person Who Left Kitten Comes Forward The story took an unexpected turn when the person who left the kitten came forward and apologised. In a social media update, the veterinary clinic posted: Regarding this video, owner has come forward today and apologised. Owner will issue a public apology statement as soon as possible. We will post them later. Thank you for all the share. Please stop sharing for now. The veterinary clinic had previously encountered such abandonments and had lodged police reports due to the recurring incidents. It stated that such postings are not intended to shame, but rather to prevent future tragedies through education and awareness. When Good Intentions Go Wrong The incident highlights gaps in public knowledge about animal rescue. Many people don't realise: Veterinary clinics have specific procedures for accepting animals After-hours drop-offs expose animals to predators and the weather Most clinics can provide guidance even when closed Animal welfare organisations exist to help with costs The person who found the kitten was genuinely trying to save its life, and their logic wasn't wrong—veterinarians are the right people to help injured animals. But leaving it outside a closed clinic at night exposed it to precisely the kind of danger they were trying to prevent. Under Malaysia's Animal Welfare Act 2015, leaving animals unattended carries penalties of up to three years in prison and a fine of RM100,000. The pink Post-it note became a symbol of good intentions gone wrong, and the CCTV footage a reminder that in animal rescue, method matters as much as intention. READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Rakyat Post
10-07-2025
- Rakyat Post
Penang Hill Dogs, Cats And Birds Poisoning Sparks Online Fury And Call For Justice
Subscribe to our FREE A shocking case of deliberate animal cruelty has emerged at Penang Hill, where the discovery of poisoned animals scattered across the popular tourist destination has ignited a firestorm of anger on social media, with residents demanding justice for what they're calling a 'cruel and inhumane' act. Multiple cases of intentional animal poisoning have been reported on the hill, with dogs, cats, and birds found dead after consuming poisoned food deliberately placed in the area. Disturbing images show lifeless animals, including a light-colored dog lying motionless on the pavement and several birds found near waste bins. The community response has been swift and emotional, with comments flooding social media platforms calling for the perpetrators to face consequences. Community Fury: 'Every Creature Made by Same God' 'This is sickening! I hope the b****rd gets his comeuppance when he dies,' wrote one user, while another added, 'May karma payback on the person who is so cruel soon.' Religious undertones reflect the deep moral offence felt by the community, with one resident noting, 'Every creature is made by the same God who made man.' For many residents, these weren't just random street animals—regular feeders had formed bonds with these creatures over time. 'To most, these strays are just strays, but to the feeders who care & feed them daily, they are well loved,' wrote one commenter. Legal Consequences and Environmental Impact The act violates both the Penal Code (Act 574) and the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772), with penalties including imprisonment and fines. Experts warned that the poisoning also poses a serious risk to the ecosystem of Penang Hill. One commenter suggested offering rewards for information leading to arrests, based on past successful cases. Penang Hill authorities are actively seeking witnesses and urge anyone with information to contact The case has become a flashpoint for community values and the treatment of vulnerable creatures in shared spaces, with residents making clear that cruelty won't be tolerated. Saw on myforeverdoggo IG that there were dogs, cats and birds poisoned at Penang Hill hiking area. These babies are friendly, harmless, tail wagging sweethearts and ada setan on earth that buat benda terkutuk kat diorang. Aku dah cukup murung pagi dengan kerja & this?! — Emily C. 🍒😇 (@mijetspie) READ MORE : READ MORE : READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
