One of our readers wrote to me last month to ask if there was anything that anyone could do about people shooting dogs in her area. I made some calls and was told that the Department of Veterinary Services (the DVS) had already banned the shooting of dogs, but apparently, people with certain authority can choose to ignore this directive.
However, I advised her to write to the DVS to seek clarification as they are the authority on this.
This morning, the same reader wrote again. The people were shooting dogs in her area…again. The reader has requested anonymity but has given permission for us to publish her email:
Dear Dr. Chan,They did it again. A sad morning for me.—– Forwarded Message —–
To: “pro@dvs.gov.my” <pro@dvs.gov.my>
Sent: Thursday, 18 July 2013, 9:13
Subject: Operasi menembak anjing
Salam sejahtera,Saya difahamkan operasi/aktiviti menembak anjing telah lama diharamkan di Malaysia. Mengapa ia masih berleluasa di (name of town)?Paling baru, pagi ini pada 8.50 pagi satu operasi menembak anjing dilakukan di (name of housing estate).Pada petang 18 Mei tahun ini operasi sama juga dilakukan di taman yang sama. Malangnya anak-anak saya telah menyaksikan peristiwa itu dan bagaimana anjing yang separuh nyawa dimasukkan ke dalam beg plastik dan diseret ke dalam van berwarna putih. Beberapa operasi lain juga telah dijalankan, namun saya tidak maklum akan tarikh dan masa yang tepat.Jabatan Veterinar yang dihubungi mengatakan mereka tidak ada kaitan dengan operasi ini tetapi maklum mungkin operasi oleh Majlis Perbandaran (name of town). Apakah tindakan DVS terhadap isu ini?Dengan izin, for goodness sake this is the Ramadan month, where is the compassion of these people to allow the shooting of these animals?Yang benar,(signed)
I shared with the reader that perhaps she could ask her ADUN to help.
Well, it’s worth a try.
Let me share this with you: About two months ago, another reader sent screenshots of tenders issued by a certain authority for private contractors to “menangkap dan menembak anjing” in a certain location. I contacted the ADUN of that location and emailed the screenshots of the 4 tenders. The ADUN’s office replied that they would look into it and I received no update after that.
But last week, by chance, I met a certain person of authority and I mentioned these tenders. The person in authority said apparently, “someone” had highlighted this at a meeting and the tenders had been withdrawn.
No kidding? Hey, that’s good news!
Hmm…so I think it may be worth a try reporting such things to your ADUN or anyone who is an authority. As I said, it’s worth a try. At the very worst, nothing is done, but you have done your part through the proper channel.
Those who are elected are there to see to the problems of the rakyat. Whether they are willing to help, can help or cannot help, it’s our right to ask. Surely there is no harm in just asking, is there?
The reader who sent us the above email will be contacting her ADUN for help on this issue.
Remember what we need? A BIGGER voice. Are you willing to speak up for the animals? There’s no use just lamenting amongst ourselves or complaining on facebook. Take action, protest and make a complaint through the proper channel. It is our right.
If you are speaking up for the animals, your voice has to be heard by the people in power. Make it loud enough, politely but firmly.
Meanwhile, let’s continue neutering as many street animals as we can. Need funds? Write to us, please.
Comments
2 responses to “Operasi menembak….so, so sad”
Dear Sir
I am from the veterinary association & would appreciate if you can let me know if the shooting of dogs is still going on? I will bring this matter up with the Director General, Department of Veterinary Services my self. I will meeting him this morning & will raise this issue with him. Pl sms me if the shooting is on going. By right the shooting of dogs is already banned. Tq
Regards
Dr.Vincent Ng
019-3835395
Dear Dr Ng, I have written you an email. Thank you very much for your interest in this matter.