The article: https://www.thesundaily.my/local/facing-stigma-criticism-for-treating-dogs-GJ10800776
Despite all the challenges, one of the vets says this:
(Dr) Salehatul Khuzaimah said someone else’s opinions or prejudices will not make her start to discriminate against dogs.
“If people take the trouble to understand animals, they will realise that dogs too have feelings and need someone in my profession to help them. And I will continue doing so because of my love for animals, my responsibilities as a veterinarian, and my strong faith in being a good Muslim.”
Salehatul Khuzaimah also said the lack of humanity is the reason why cases of mistreatment towards dogs involve the non-Muslim communities as well.
She said she was pleasantly surprised by the change in the mentality of the people around her about dogs following the Batang Kali landslide incident on Dec 16.
“Even in the comment section of my TikTok account, I noticed several positive responses. Those who were initially afraid of dogs have started to treat them with respect and recognise the good in these animals.”
Kudos to both vets, Dr Aina Insyirah Roszizul Kahairi and Dr Salehatul Khuzaimah!
Dr Salehatul is right in saying that it is an issue of the “lack of humanity” in humans, regardless of race. This is precisely why humane education and animal protection must be inculcated in humans since young. It has to be incorporated into our education curriculum right from kindergarten to secondary school. Throw in college and university as well, please. All the way! And if schools don’t do it, can parents and grandparents, uncle and aunties please do it?
And so the Batang Kali incident did make a difference to people’s perception towards dogs. Tapi, manusia mudah lupa, kan? Let’s hope they don’t.
