Fostering responsible dog ownership

Dog owners queuing up to renew their dog licence at Kompleks Sukan Pandamaran in Port Klang.

THE scorching heat on a Saturday afternoon did not deter people from queuing up outside Kompleks Sukan Pandamaran in Port Klang, Selangor, to renew their dog licences for 2020.

But inside the community hall, the “Pet and Dog Licensing Awareness” programme was ongoing, the first of its kind by Klang Municipal Council (MPK), and there were plans to hold it annually following the initial success.

MPK Health Department deputy director Hasnor Harith said letters were sent out to the existing 800 licence holders, who owned 2,000 pet dogs, two weeks prior to the programme to inform them of the event.

MPK assistant secretary Ahmad Khairi Md Yusof said besides helping dog owners renew their licences, the programme was to educate them to become responsible pet owners.

“Last year, the council received 1,572 reports on animal disturbances.

“Following this, MPK caught 5,000 stray dogs. A notice was also issued to 361 pet owners.

“We have a duty to ensure the safety and health of residents. The programme can help them become better dog owners and comply with the law, ” he said.

The event also shed light on the challenges faced by local authorities in managing strays that included a seminar by a veterinarian and a sharing session from an animal advocate non-governmental organisation. There were also booths on grooming and feeding cats.

Hasnor said as of November last year, 80% of animal disturbance reports were linked to dogs.

Ahmad Khairi (right) and Leong visiting an exhibition by a pet hotel at the event.

“This figure included pet dogs and strays loitering in the streets and playgrounds, ” he said.

He reminded residents to comply with regulations to ensure they did not exceed keeping the number of pets as permitted by law.

“For homes that are below 1,000 sq m, only two dogs are allowed whereas anything above that can house four dogs, ” he added.

Hasnor warned that those who failed to comply with the directive would be issued a notice and failing to heed this would result in a compound, and court action if they fail to settle the compound.

Hasnor said following the rules was key in addressing the problems of overpopulation among stray dogs.

“Some irresponsible owners abandon their dogs in public places.

“There are also people who leave food out for stray animals and this causes the population to multiply, ” said Hasnor.

Pandamaran assemblyman Leong Tuck Chee said owners who were found guilty of abandoning their pets could be charged under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.

Leong says dog owners can be charged under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 for abandoning their pets.

Hasnor said while MPK tried its best to respond to all reports of disturbances involving stray animals, their efforts were not without limitations.

“We only have three teams responsible for catching strays and each team has three officers and one van driver, ” he said.

Veterinarian Salehatul Khuzaimah Mohd Ali said it was important for everyone to understand that keeping a pet was a lifetime commitment.

“It is the nature of dogs to want human companionship. If you cannot commit to spending time and the resources to keep a dog, don’t do it.

“Dog owners must also be prepared for any changes such as moving to a new house and ensure that their dog can adapt to the new environment, ” she said.

Salehatul said dog owners should vaccinate their pets to ensure the animal’s long-term health.

“Vaccines contain antigens that induce the immune system to produce antibodies to fight against a specific disease.

“It is normal for the dog to be less active within three days of the vaccination where they experience increase in body temperature and no appetite.

“But if these symptoms persist beyond three days, take your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic, ” she said, adding that dog owners must understand that the vaccine did not protect against all diseases.

Attendees listening intently to Anthony inside the community hall at Kompleks Sukan Pandamaran in Port Klang, Selangor.

Salehatul cited zoonotic diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis and that the owners should vaccinate their pets against these.

“Zoonotic diseases can spread to humans and put dog owners at risk, ” she said.

She said a puppy aged eight weeks and older could already be vaccinated.

Salehatul recommended that owners take their dogs out for a walk at least twice daily.

“Dogs that stay indoors can become antisocial and destructive because of lack of mental stimulation.

“Owners must ensure their dogs are on a leash of not more than 1.5m, ” she said.

She also encouraged dog owners to neuter and spay their pets.

“Non-castrated dogs can occasionally be in heat because of hormones. If they cannot find a mating partner, they will ‘spray’ as a sign of protest, ” she said.

PetPositive president Anthony Sivabalan Thanasayan said his dog was of tremendous help in his daily life, both physically and emotionally.

“I rarely had any able-bodied person ask me for help, but my dog relied on me to feed and bathe him. It was a wonderful feeling.

“Unlike humans, dogs accept you for who you are, ” he said.

Anthony reminded dog owners to be considerate towards their neighbours.

“Not everyone loves dogs so always keep them on a leash when outside, ” said Thanasayan, adding that rescued strays should not be released back on the streets.