The Press Conference On Illegal Trespassing By Dogcatchers And Other Related Issues
AnimalCare 
Oct 14, 2012 
AnimalCare, NGOs 
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The press conference happened today and we were invited to be part of the panel. Of course, we support the issue raised by MDDB, so I attended the PC.
It was full house.
A lady was invited to speak about her experience where dogcatchers entered her compound when no one was home and took her dogs away.
Besides the video clip of the latest case in Ampang Jaya, another one was shown where a young boy related what he saw – how some adults cornered a dog and drowned the dog inside a drain. The boy pleaded to the adults to stop, but his appeals fell on deaf ears.
We had a very good discussion where everyone contributed ideas on how this issue could be addressed and what we could do as animal-loving citizens. Most importantly, how we could all work together with one voice to make ourselves heard. Many ideas were put forth.
Except for a brief episode where emotions (and voices) ran high, everyone else expressed their ideas and concerns in a controlled and mature manner.
A lady from England also shared with the audience what is done in her country and how they do it – neutering is the way to go. She advocates “naming and shaming” the culprits who abuse animals including those in power, if need be, but do so within the boundaries of the law. She also said that there aren’t as many strays on the streets over there, but there are also cases of cruelty and hatred, just as we have over here.
I’d say it was a good discussion and we hope the audience will go back to their neighbourhoods and introduce CNRM to the residents. I also suggested to the audience that they speak with their councilors and their respective Residents’ Association committee. If an RA agrees that community animals will be protected, it can be a huge influence on the rest of the residents. Remember that once the complaining stops, the killing stops.
First and foremost, all feeders of community animals would also do well to perform their duty responsibly (clean up after the feeding has been done). And wehope to see more ear-notched community animals too! It seemed like many members of the audience had not heard about ear-notching, but I was glad that many saw the wisdom of doing it after I explained the benefits.
We also hope that local councils will refrain from entering house compounds to catch dogs but instead issue warning letters and if need be, fine the owners. Please do not punish the dogs for the owners’ misdeed, if any.
The above is all well and good and within our capacity to do, but the private dog-catching companies is a totally different issue which must be addressed urgently. This is because apparently, private dog-catching companies are not answerable to anyone and that is why they have been doing the most horrendous acts of cruelty and abuse.
The fact remains that the animal-loving community constitutes a minority and that is why it is not easy getting our voices heard. In order to get more people on our side, we must first act responsibly and in accordance with the law. By all means, speak up and fight for our cause and that of the animals but let us do so in a mature, correct and proper manner.
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