Fear of dog attacks looms large in housing estates

FEAR of dogs attacking people is rising in housing estates.

Last weekend, a Facebook friend was having her morning walk in Rasah Jaya, Seremban when a fierce black dog started to chase her.

She ran for dear life but fell and hurt her left wrist. At the hospital, it was found that she had suffered a broken bone and had to have a plate inserted to treat the injury. She was warded for a week.

I myself was bitten a dog while jogging in my housing area. The owner let the dog out of his compound and did not even have a licence to keep it.

Dog attacks can result in serious injury and even death to the victim. The owners could face legal and financial problems too if the victims or their family members decide to take them to court.

To prevent such mishaps, there must be stringent enforcement by the authorities concerned of the regulations pertaining to ownership of dogs, especially the larger breeds, and their movement in public areas frequented by people.

The owners must ensure their dogs are vaccinated and licensed.

Members of the public, especially walkers and joggers, must also be mindful of the danger posed by unattended dogs and carry a stick as a protective weapon.

The local authorities and veterinary enforcement unit should conduct random visits in housing estates to check whether dog owners are fulfilling their responsibilities according to the law.

The penalty on owners of dogs that cause injury to any person should also be reviewed. Currently, under Section 7 (1) of the Minor Offences Act 1955, the owner is liable to a fine not exceeding RM50, while compensation for the injury does not exceed the sum of RM100.