Animal activists to raise concerns with PM

PETALING JAYA: The National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) will organise a meeting between the Prime Minister’s Office and animal rescuers and activists.

Intan’s research centre senior assistant director Suzianah Nhazzla Ismail said this would give animal rescuers and activists a platform to share their problems and concerns.

“We are aware that abusers are just given a slap on the wrist due to the lack of strong laws to punish those who harm animals,’’ said Suzianah Nhazzla after meeting participating animal welfare and rescue groups.

Suzianah Nhazzla said the exact date of the “Take Out The Blindness, Show a Little Kindness: They have Rights Too” event, scheduled be held at Intan’s main campus in Bukit Kiara, would be announced in early September.

She noted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was an animal lover who had six cats.

Rescue groups will also be bringing some cats and dogs that have been maimed to showcase the gravity of the situation.

“Besides the forum, there will also be an exhibition where rescue groups will come together to highlight abuse cases,’’ said Suzianah Nhazzla.

She said there would also be an adoption corner where pictures of cats and dogs in need of homes would be exhibited.

According to Suzianah Nhazzla, there would also be a forum titled “Would it Hurt For You to Care? It Hurts Them When You Don’t”, which would be moderated by Selangor SPCA patron Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

Representatives from SPCA, Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better, Stray Cats Rescue and Treatment Community Help (Scratch) and Noah’s Ark Ipoh will speak at the forum.

Some of the issues expected to be raised include the importance of neutering companion animals, prohibiting pet shops from selling companion animals and the rising number of private dog catching companies being engaged by local councils.