Animal rights NGOs to rally outside Parliament again, pan 'ignorant' Nga
Miffed over the alleged lack of action against the killing of strays, a coalition of NGOs is set to march to Parliament again on Feb 24.
“This urgent initiative is aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis of stray animal killings, particularly the brutal culling of stray dogs.
“And we also want to advocate for...
Summary
A coalition of animal rights NGOs plans to march to Parliament on Feb 24 over the lack of action from the government against the inhumane treatment of stray animals.
Representative S Shashi Kumar says the government has failed to hold animal abusers accountable.
Shashi berates Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming for his alleged inaction.
Miffed over the alleged lack of action against the killing of strays, a coalition of NGOs is set to march to Parliament again on Feb 24.
“This urgent initiative is aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis of stray animal killings, particularly the brutal culling of stray dogs.
“And we also want to advocate for stronger protections and reforms in the Animal Welfare Act 2015,” said the Coalition of NGOs and Concerned Citizens for Animal Welfare in Malaysia representative S Shashi Kumar in a statement today.
In November last year, around 100 people gathered at the Parliament gates to hand over a memorandum demanding justice for stray animals.
The movement, dubbed “Justice for Kopi”, urged for legal reforms in handling stray animals while chanting “justice for Kopi” and “justice for all animals”.
This came after Besut District Council personnel shot dead a gentle stray dog called Kopi a month earlier.
They gathered to call for amendments to the Animal Welfare Act and advocate for humane and sustainable practices in stray animal management.
A delegation of MPs led by former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob received the memorandum from the group.
‘No choice’
Shashi (above) lamented that the NGOs have no choice but to rally again after authorities failed to take firm action to stop the cruel practices in handling strays.
“The government has repeatedly resorted to cruel methods to reduce the stray animal population, with local councils employing inhumane culling practices.
“And the growing number of such incidents, including the torture and killing of animals, has sparked widespread outrage.
“The public is increasingly concerned by the government's failure to hold perpetrators accountable, leading many to lose trust in the authorities,” the Global Human Rights Federation president said.
Shashi added that he had evidence, including videos and witness testimonies, of how local councils engage in inhumane practices in dealing with stray animals.
“In many cases, these perpetrators have avoided legal consequences despite clear evidence of guilt,” he noted.
Shashi urged the government to adopt good practices from the West to deal with the stray population, adding that Malaysia should no longer be seen as a nation that tolerates the abuse and killing of defenceless animals.
Lack of action from minister
The NGO leader also berated Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming for allegedly pussyfooting on the matter.
He criticised the minister for not sending his representatives to receive their memorandum last year despite Nga being the minister overseeing local councils.
“None of the representatives from the Housing and Local Government Ministry came forward to receive the document despite an official email being sent to the ministry a week in advance.
“This lack of response highlights the ministry’s disregard for the concerns raised by NGOs and citizens alike regarding the inhumane treatment of stray animals,” he added.
Struggling shelters
Shashi also pointed out that many animal shelters in the country are run privately, with most of them having to depend on donations.
“The minister seems to be ignorant that many animal shelters, activists, and rescuers are facing immense challenges.
“Animal rescuers face exorbitant fees ranging from RM200 to RM250 per animal charged by local councils to take them out (from pounds), further limiting their ability to save lives.
“Shelters are also overcrowded and are struggling financially, relying heavily on personal donations without getting support from the government,” he added.
