KLANG: It is common for social media to be filled with alerts and posters of lost pets during Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations.
This is due to most of the animals taking flight because of fireworks. Some even end up dead after being run over by traffic.
PAWS Animal Welfare Society shelter manager Edward Lim said dog owners come to the shelter looking for their pets that have gone missing after a blast of fireworks.
“Some of them find their dogs at our shelter, but many do not and that is very unfortunate,” he said.
Lim added that it was also common for runaway dogs to be caught by local council dog catchers during this period.
“We have received some dogs that were clearly pets from the council,” he said.
PAWS receives dogs that are caught by the Petaling Jaya City Council dog catchers.
Meanwhile, unknown to many, owners who fail to protect their pets from the traumatic sounds of fireworks can be legally dealt with if complaints are lodged against them.
Dr Saravanakumar Supramaniam Pillai, who was part of the team that crafted the Animal Welfare Act 2015, said errant owners can be dealt with under Section 24 of the Act.
“It is the duty of the owner to provide a safe area for their pets, as well as protect them from harm,” said the veterinarian who retired as a senior deputy director of the Veterinary Services Department.
He said it can be applied if a third party lodges a complaint against anyone deemed to have not taken the necessary steps to protect their pets.
Under Section 24 of the Act, pet owners have to ensure the needs and safety of the animals under their care.
Dr Saravanakumar said pets feel threatened by the loud noise and flames from fireworks.
“The pets will run out to seek a safe place and if they feel their homes are unsafe, they will never return.
“As for street dogs, they would go and cower under cars to be safe from the fireworks,” he added.
In the worst-case scenario, the animals would even turn against each other, resulting in fights due to extreme fear.
Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) director Irene Low advised owners to ensure their pets are properly secured when fireworks are being blasted during festive periods.
“Put them inside the house or create a safe nook in a room with a lot of blankets and sheets and close the door.
“For outdoor pets, cage them or secure them properly before setting off fireworks.
“Please do not keep the gates wide open without securing your pets properly,” she added.
Low also appealed to the public to burn fireworks in moderation for the sake of street animals that have no human family members to soothe their nerves and calm their fears.
