A group of independent animal rescuers were able to save 31 dogs and 17 cats from a house in Puchong.
PETALING JAYA: An animal activist has urged the government and relevant authorities to take firm action against backyard breeders after a recent operation to rescue 31 dogs and 17 cats that were kept in poor conditions.
Karin Lee of Give for Paws, a society that helps homeless animals, said the government should implement a moratorium to halt the sale of dogs for the next three to five years to encourage adoption instead.
“Education and awareness on responsible pet ownership must be encouraged.
“The government should also consider a mandatory sterilisation of all pets to prevent irresponsible puppy or kitten dumping,” she told FMT.
Lee was commenting on the incident in which a group of independent animal rescuers were able to save all 48 animals from a house in Puchong.
It is believed that the dogs were bred for sale, with many being kept in cages and forced to live in unsanitary conditions, with many found to be in poor health.
One of the rescuers, Karin Mali, lamented the inaction by the veterinary services department (DVS) on this issue.
“DVS should treat animal abuse and cruelty seriously in order to ensure better animal welfare standards in the country,” she said.
Another rescuer, who wished to remain anonymous, said reports had been lodged with the police and DVS.
She said it was the norm for DVS to act slowly in such cases, adding that it was left to independent rescuers and NGOs to take matters into their own hands.
She said the rescue operation had taken place from Saturday night to Wednesday, with all the dogs and cats taken to the vet to receive medical treatment.
Mali said the animals will be put up for adoption.
When contacted, DVS said it was aware of the case and that it was currently being handled by the department’s Selangor branch.
