The heart-rending story of abused cat ‘Hero’ which was saved by a youth, Hairey Yahya, stole the attention of lawmakers in the Dewan Rakyat today with a proposal for a ‘love animal campaign’ featuring stories of animal-caring individuals.  

Halimah Mohd Sadique (BN-Tenggara) said the story of an unfortunate cat which had its legs chopped off for stealing a fish in a restaurant and was saved by Hairey should be a fine example to raise public awareness on kindness to animals.    

 

umno supreme council special meeting 260809 noraini ahmad “The move is to appreciate and focus on kind individuals who save abandoned animals,” she said in supporting a proposal by Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong - right ) in the debate on the Animals (Amendment) Bill 2012 in the Dewan Rakyat.

Noraini had earlier proposed that the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry provide incentives including tax cuts for those who save stray animals such as cats and dogs.

In reply to the two proposals, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong said the proposals were good and would be considered by the ministry.    

“On the issue of animal welfare especially stray cats and dogs, many people are not aware that they have a big responsibility when buying or keeping a cat or dog.

“The issue arises when the animals grow old, as many will either be chased out of the house or abandoned at public places,” he said.  

Chua said high medical cost as well as other costs might have driven pet  owners to abandon them in the streets.  

“From the awareness aspect, the ministry cooperates with non-governmental organisations to raise public awareness on their role in keeping animals,” he said.  

- Bernama