CRUELTY towards animals cannot be allowed to persist in any state or country that proclaims itself to be developed and civilised, said renowned social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
“The humane treatment of animals is a fundamental aspect of a modern, developed society. If we cannot treat animals with kindness, how can we claim to be developed?
“Enforcement agencies too must review outdated laws that do not offer protection to animals and there must be better ethical standards in place to prevent and stop cruelty towards animals.
“The greatness of a state can be judged by the way it treats its animals,” he said in a statement.
Lee said laws must be in place to allow non-governmental bodies greater power to investigate and act against those committing cruel acts towards animals.
He also said it is morally wrong for local councils to resort to destroying strays.
“There must be more animal rescue shelters set up to house strays as killing them is not a humane solution,” he said.
Lee said he was surprised that the east Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah have not upgraded their animal welfare laws for decades.
“For some reason, the National Animal Welfare Act 2015 is not adopted by Sarawak and Sabah.
“It is high time that the whole country adheres to laws that offer greater protection and humane treatment of all animals,” he said.
The Vibes had, on April 6, reported that inhumane treatment of domesticated pets and wildlife by people and barbaric acts against strays by local councils are also major, widespread problems in Sarawak.
A coalition of three animal rights groups in Sarawak had issued a joint statement to condemn such cruelty and highlighted the lack of concrete actions by those in power to stop animal abuse in the state. – The Vibes, April 13, 2024
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