PETALING JAYA: It is high time jail terms and heavy fines be enforced on those who abandon their pets, say animal rescuers and animal lovers.

       Independent Pet Adoption Network (IPAN) co-founder Sherrina Krishnan-Leyow said a jail term and fine was needed to prevent such incidents from occurring.

       “Some say that these are just animals and people should not be punished for such ‘trivial’ misdemeanours but how is animal population, animal-to-animal or animal-to-human conflict in a community something trivial?

       “Abandoned animals will also struggle to adapt with other animals in the area while finding it difficult to look for food and shelter.

       “What’s more, they may even encounter cruel individuals who will threaten them,” she said, citing the recent incident of cats that were believed to have been poisoned in Desa Pandan, Kuala Lumpur.

       Furry Friend’s Farm (FFF) president Myza Nordin said stringent enforcement was needed to ensure the effectiveness of legislation.

       “Similarly, the public who witness incidents of dumping should also make reports to the relevant authorities so that action can be taken against the perpetrators,” she said.

       She added that the enforcement would also keep perpetrators accountable for their actions.

       “Every action has a reaction and when animals are abandoned, they can become a nuisance to communities. Hence, the irresponsible person who perpetrated this should be penalised for his action,” she said.

       Homeless Paws of Manjung Strays vice president Joanne Low concurred that the enforcement of a jail term and fine was timely.

       “My thoughts are, did the person even think of the pet’s welfare when abandoning them?

       “It had been too easy for these owners, with many washing their hands despite the action being just plain cruel,” said Low who has rescued animals for the past 23 years.

       Low added that pets could be abandoned for various reasons including the deteriorating health of the animals, or when they were no longer ‘cute’. Owners’ dwindling commitments towards the animals are another reason.

       “If you are unable to further commit, don’t abandon them but instead board them with responsible shelters or even find them good homes,” she said.

       Wealth planner Lau Wai Lok, 27, said those thinking of abandoning their pets should first think whether they themselves would like to be saddled with the same situation one day.

       “Heavier penalties should also be enforced to show there are repercussions to such actions.

       “If no strict punishments are meted out to those who abandon pets, it gives the message that it is not something wrong to begin with, which may further encourage people to do so,” said Lau who currently owns three rescued cats.

       Business development manager Rena Chang, said a one- or two-day jail term would serve as a stern deterrent to those thinking of abandoning their pets.

       “The abandonment of pets is not something trivial as animals too have a right to be protected under the law.

       “These individuals should ask themselves why they first chose to adopt a pet only to abandon them later on,” said Chang who cares for four rescued dogs at home.

       Media sales director Kin Kamarulzaman, 46, said jail term and a heavy fine were absolutely necessary.

       “Pets are sentient beings and can experience feelings and emotions just like humans.

       “We as owners are supposed to protect them as they are our responsibility,” said Kin who owns nine dogs, of which eight are rescues.

       She added that in the event she was no longer able to care for them, re-homing them with someone trustworthy was her next best option.

       Chief executive officer of a non-profit, Shyam Priah, 47, said community service should also be incorporated, in addition to a jail term and heavier fines.

       “I currently have three dogs and a cat, all of which are rescued, and the thought of abandoning them has never occurred to me.

       “Similarly, I also turned down an opportunity to migrate as I could not bring the dogs along,” she said, adding that those who chose to abandon their pets lacked civic mindedness.

       On May 10, the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) announced that it will soon be enforcing regulations cited in the 2021-2030 National Animal Welfare Strategic Plan, including one related to pet or animal abandonment.

       The department’s director-general Datuk Dr Norlizan Mohd Noor said the Animal Welfare Code of Practice introduced earlier was not legally binding and merely served as a guide.

       Therefore, action could not be taken on breaches of the code, he added.

       Now, however, court action can be taken against pet owners for neglect or abandonment.