KOTA KINABALU: There is inadequate enforcement on animal cruelty cases in the state, says an animal rights group.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Kota Kinabalu (SPCAKK) said this trend had been going on for years with little action taken on such cases.
It called on all animal lovers to unite and urge the authorities to enforce relevant laws and ensure that those who harm animals were held accountable.
It gave an example of two kittens that were abandoned by their owner in the city a few months ago in an incident caught on CCTV.
The incident happened at around 9am on April 20, where the kittens were left in front of an animal clinic.
“SPCAKK reported this incident to the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) on May 3. According to the Sabah Animal Welfare Enactment 2015, abandoning animals constitutes a punishable crime,” it said in a statement.
Despite this, the perpetrator faced no punishment and was only ordered to pay medical and quarantine fees to the Sabah DVS, it added.
It said the DVS did not push for a stricter penalty as it accepted the owner’s excuse for dumping the kittens.
“DVS considers the case closed. In the meantime, SPCAKK (a non-profit animal welfare organisation relying on public donations) was left ‘punished’, having to take responsibility for the ongoing care of the kittens, including vaccinations, neutering and food costs.
“We feel that the decision by DVS does not reflect the interest and welfare of these animals. It is worrying as it not only perpetuates animal abuse but also undermines public trust in our animal protection laws.
“SPCAKK calls on animal lovers to unite and urge the authorities to enforce the law and ensure that those who harm animals are held accountable,” it added.
