Lift the ban on feeding of strays

I AM compelled to write this letter of appreciation to Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye for standing up for homeless animals. A few days ago, he released a press statement urging Kajang City Council to revoke its order banning members of the public from feeding street animals, describing the ban as inhumane and unreasonable.

There are thousands of homeless animals in Kajang that depend on humans for food. For many of those who feed the animals, this ban is absolutely nonsensical and will have a devastating effect.

Street animals continue to exist because we humans have failed to manage their population. Despite culling by the local authorities, their numbers are still increasing.

Sadly, street dogs are placed in the vector list together with rats, which allows them to be eliminated in the interest of public health and safety.

However, many rescuers and feeders in Kajang are keeping our street dogs healthy and calm by feeding them well. Many team up with NGOs like Filbert’s Foundation for Furry Friends (F5) to get free neutering and vaccinations for the animals.

Keeping their belly full will stop them from roaming about and getting into fights while rummaging for food in garbage bins, and vaccinating them will prevent the transmission of diseases.

But instead of being supported, these individuals are being blamed and vilified by many for allowing the dogs to roam about, even though the dogs are resting quietly at the far end of the street.

Feeding street animals is an extremely selfless and tiring affair. I know many rescuers who use their life savings and starve themselves rather than allow the animals they saved to suffer.

Among them is Uncle Khoo (Patrick Khoo Kian Wui), a senior citizen who was charged in court for obstructing workers from the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) when they tried to take away street dogs that he was sheltering on his premises. He, along with all the others in the feeder community, should be supported.

Many people do not welcome street dogs in their community. Any disturbance the dogs create would lead to complaints being made to the local authority, which risks them getting caught.

Feeding is mainly carried out at night not only because dogs are more active at this time but also to keep them safe from those who would harm them.

I know many beautiful individuals who walk in the dark daily to feed and tend to the dogs, forgoing their own safety.

So, one may ask, if these animals are left to starve, what kind of community are we creating?

Animal shelters nationwide are dealing with lack of funding. Some shelters are no longer sustainable and are at the brink of closure. So, where can the street animals go? Who will manage the thousands of homeless dogs currently on the street?

The local authority has the power to catch and terminate any dog deemed to be unwanted or a nuisance, mainly by killing them. So, any complaints from the community about homeless animals should be handled in a respectful and sensitive manner, and inhumane and unreasonable orders should not be issued.

On behalf of all the feeders and rescuers in Kajang, I say thank you to Tan Sri Lee for his compassionate and humane stand.

DR KARTINI FARAH RAHIM

Animal activist and F5 board member