My Letter in the STAR, Opinion Page Feb 2nd, 2006
Below is my letter that appeared in The Star on Feb 2nd, 2006. Our supporters have written wonderful letters too that have been published in the newspapers. Daniel will soon put up a Press Room Link on the right where you can read the published letters RSC supporters. If you have written any letters in support of animals that have been published kindly mail them to us so we can put them up in our Press Room.
The Star Newspaper, Opinion Page, Feb 2nd 2006
New Wildlife Laws Useless If Authorities Don't Act
I'm elated that the Wildlife and Conservation Bill will raise the current fine for poaching from RM15,000 to RM150,000.
The move, which was reported in a local newspaper on Jan 24, is a step in the right direction.
However, I’m concerned whether this is just another case of being seen to do the right thing but not actually doing it.
A disturbing report in The Star on Jan 21 described long-tailed macaques chained to a steel-bar platform and water lizards kept in small, dingy cages at an animal show held on the grounds of a hypermarket in Shah Alam.
The report also said pools filled with dirty water were the only source of drink available to the animals, which were kept in filthy cages.
I immediately wrote to the hypermarket after reading the report about the deplorable conditions at the show, but have yet to receive a reply.
The owners have a duty as a responsible corporate citizen to ensure that such acts of abuse do not occur on its premises.
Frankly, I’m quite shocked that the hypermarket feels it is all right to expose children to animal abuse at its very own premises!
When I telephoned the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to air my concerns for the welfare of the animals in the show, I was told by an officer that the organiser had a valid permit to keep the wild animals.
As far as the deplorable conditions of the animals are concerned, he called it a subjective viewpoint.
The officer claimed to have gone to the exhibition site to investigate, and as far as he was concerned the animals were not kept in conditions considered as abusive.
The Wildlife and Conservation Bill has provisions to protect the rights of animals in circuses, displays and exhibitions.
I’m now wondering if the proposed laws will make any difference to the condition of Malaysia's wildlife if enforcement measures by the authorities do not improve.
If the spirit of the law is not observed, surely little attention will be paid to the letter of the law.
SHEENA ALSATION,
Kuala Lumpur.
The Star Newspaper, Opinion Page, Feb 2nd 2006
New Wildlife Laws Useless If Authorities Don't Act
I'm elated that the Wildlife and Conservation Bill will raise the current fine for poaching from RM15,000 to RM150,000.
The move, which was reported in a local newspaper on Jan 24, is a step in the right direction.
However, I’m concerned whether this is just another case of being seen to do the right thing but not actually doing it.
A disturbing report in The Star on Jan 21 described long-tailed macaques chained to a steel-bar platform and water lizards kept in small, dingy cages at an animal show held on the grounds of a hypermarket in Shah Alam.
The report also said pools filled with dirty water were the only source of drink available to the animals, which were kept in filthy cages.
I immediately wrote to the hypermarket after reading the report about the deplorable conditions at the show, but have yet to receive a reply.
The owners have a duty as a responsible corporate citizen to ensure that such acts of abuse do not occur on its premises.
Frankly, I’m quite shocked that the hypermarket feels it is all right to expose children to animal abuse at its very own premises!
When I telephoned the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to air my concerns for the welfare of the animals in the show, I was told by an officer that the organiser had a valid permit to keep the wild animals.
As far as the deplorable conditions of the animals are concerned, he called it a subjective viewpoint.
The officer claimed to have gone to the exhibition site to investigate, and as far as he was concerned the animals were not kept in conditions considered as abusive.
The Wildlife and Conservation Bill has provisions to protect the rights of animals in circuses, displays and exhibitions.
I’m now wondering if the proposed laws will make any difference to the condition of Malaysia's wildlife if enforcement measures by the authorities do not improve.
If the spirit of the law is not observed, surely little attention will be paid to the letter of the law.
SHEENA ALSATION,
Kuala Lumpur.
posted by Shoba @ 8:34 PM
1 Comments:
At 10:55 AM,
Shoba said…
Thank you so much chevotilburg for your encouragement and your apt assessment of human nature.
Bless your heart. Those who have ears to hear, will hear.
Shoba Mano
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