Animal Advocate: A Voice for the Voiceless


In Malaysia, the issue of animal cruelty remains a significant concern. Animals, whether stray, domestic, or wild, often fall victim to neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Animal cruelty is a serious problem that often goes unnoticed. These acts of cruelty not only reflect a lack of compassion but also highlight gaps in enforcement and public education about animal welfare laws. Animals are an important part of our world, yet many suffer silently.

What Is Animal Cruelty?

There are two main types of animal cruelty:

  • Intentional Cruelty: This is when people knowingly harm animals, like not feeding them properly or trying to treat sick pets without help from a vet, which can make things worse.

  • Unintentional Cruelty: This happens because people don’t know better. For example, they might think keeping animals in cages or on chains is okay, but it’s harmful to their well-being.



 

How SPCA Selangor Helps?

SPCA Selangor has been fighting animal cruelty since 1958. They focus on:

  1. Education: Teaching people how to care for animals responsibly.
  2. Sheltering: Giving abused or unwanted animals a safe place to stay.
  3. Spaying and Neutering: Helping control stray animal populations.
  4. Working With Authorities: Investigating cases of animal cruelty and making sure abusers are punished.
  5. Medical Care: Providing treatment, vaccinations, and surgeries for rescued animals.

Changes in Animal Rescue

Over the years, Malaysia’s animal rescue efforts have improved:

  1. Early Days: Rescues were done by caring individuals or small groups.

  2. NGOs Step In: By the 1990s, organizations started raising awareness and pushing for better laws.

  3. Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok make it easier to share rescue stories, organize adoptions, and get support.

In 2013, SPCA Selangor introduced a no-cage policy, except for sick animals needing quarantine. They also set up a waiting list system to avoid overcrowding and ensure every animal’s needs are met.


Animal Cruelty Laws in Malaysia

Malaysia has laws to protect animals, including:

  • Penal Code Section 428: Punishes those who harm animals with fines or jail time.

  • Animal Welfare Act 2015: Gives stricter penalties for abuse, with fines up to RM100,000 and imprisonment.

  • Wildlife Conservation Act 2010: Protects wild animals with fines up to RM50,000 and imprisonment.

However, enforcing these laws can be difficult due to lack of resources and underreporting.

How Everyone Can Help

We all have a role to play in stopping animal cruelty:

  1. Learn and Educate: Teaching kids and others about caring for animals can create a kinder society.

  2. Get Involved: Volunteer, donate, or support rescue efforts.

  3. Push for Better Laws: Advocate for stricter rules and proper enforcement.

A Real-Life Example

In the case of Public Prosecutor v Shahrul Azuwan bin Adanan & Anor [2013] 8 MLJ 70, a cattery neglected 30 cats, leading to the death of eight. The offenders were initially fined RM200 per charge with one month’s jail in default. On appeal, the High Court deemed the penalties too lenient and increased the sentence to RM200 and two months’ imprisonment per charge, to run consecutively. This landmark case highlighted the judiciary’s commitment to stricter animal cruelty penalties, urging legal reforms and better enforcement to reflect society’s growing demand for stronger animal welfare protections.

Conclusion

Addressing animal cruelty in Malaysia requires empathy, stronger laws, and public action. By reporting abuse, supporting shelters, and advocating for change, we can build a compassionate society where all animals are treated with the care and dignity they deserve. The journey of being the voice for the voiceless may be challenging, but the goal is worth every effort.



SOURCES & REFERENCES


  1. UM Law Podcast | Unseen Animal Cruelty: Exploring Hidden Abuse and Neglect
  2. https://penanginstitute.org/publications/issues/addressing-animal-cruelty-in-malaysia-causes-challenges-and-strategic-solutions/ 
  3. https://heyzine.com/flip-book/5f4cca08a3.html 
  4. Dr Rahida Aini Mohd Ismail (Publications Officer. (2024, July 15). Addressing animal cruelty in Malaysia: Causes, challenges and strategic solutions. Penang Institute. https://penanginstitute.org/publications/issues/addressing-animal-cruelty-in-malaysia-causes-challenges-and-strategic-solutions/
  5. Somerville, P. (2024, October 3). Abolish exploitation. The Ecologist. https://theecologist.org/2024/oct/03/abolish-exploitation#:~:text=%27It%20is%20really%20possible%20for,their%20own%20paths%20through%20life
  6. Zulaila Aini Z., & Idanawati, N. (2023). Current state of animal testing on cosmetic products in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. International Journal of Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals and Cosmetic Science, 6(2): 41-54.
  7. 1) Animal neglect facts: How to help a neighbors neglected animal. Animal Legal Defense Fund. (2020, November 20).
  8. https://aldf.org/article/animal-neglect-facts/#:~:text=Animal%20neglect%20is%20the%20failure,in%20permanent%20injury%20or%20death 
  9. Muhamad Rezan T., Ain-Maryam, Z., & Adam, M.S. (2023). A Study of the Causal Factors of
  10. Animal Crimes in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vol 8 (8).


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