Cruel Killing of 13 Dogs, Shot to Death by the Malaysian (Seremban) Municipal Council!

Petition Progress Update

Malaysiakini: PM, Ministers Should At Least Acknowledge!

As shown in Malaysiakini in the link above, the government of Malaysia did not respond to this petition's 2000 signature support to use our advise in implementing humane education, humane law enforcement, animal legal defense and legislative/law improvement/changes relating to all animals in Malaysia in the year of 2006. 

We don't really understand why even a single signature is required to implement humane values in our society? How much more signatures is needed before a government will embrace this humane support request? Is it so hard to become a humane society?

Petition Goal

Though the Eng's has been described as animal hoarders by the Malaysian Municipal Council and those who are in favor of that understanding, and in the inhumane action taken by them, this petition is not in anyway trying to make the Eng's look like they were indeed animal hoarders.

This petition is only trying to show what humane alternatives could have been taken based on the belief, accusation and excuses given by the Malaysian Municipal Council, and those who are in favor of that understanding and in the inhumane action taken by them. 

The goal of this petition is to gain the Malaysian government's support and cooperation to use our advise to implement humane education, humane law enforcement, animal legal defense and legislative/law improvement/changes relating to all animals in Malaysia.

We acknowledge the fact that there are many of those who dislike dogs and/or other animals in general, just like the way they would dislike some people too.

Therefore, we are trying to get government officials, judges, jury and the general public to understand, whatever our personal emotional feelings and/or mental thoughts towards a certain species are, may they be human or nonhuman, they all still deserve respect, fairness and humane treatment while justice is served when and where an abuse, cruelty or any form of injustice takes place.

We are trying to secure a better future for the animals in terms of welfare, protection and basic rights by looking at a bigger picture and working things out on a larger scale to help the Eng's, people who are in similar situations, and all animals in general no matter what species they belong too. 

Petition Case

It is claimed that the Eng's, guardian of 26 dogs were hoarding animals, a human behaviour that involves the keeping of higher than typical numbers of companion animals (pets) which is against the law, and without necessarily having the ability to properly house or care for them.

Yes, animal hoarding can lead to serious dangers to health, both for the companion animal and their guardians because of the sanitation issues that keeping animals entails.

Whatever the accusation is/was, true or false, these guardians of 26 dogs did what they did nothing but out of love and compassion. The authorities should have realized that there are humane ways in dealing with issues such as these.

Unfortunately, instead working together to help each other out, and finding humane solutions, the Malaysian Municipal Council Enforcement Officers took a rather shocking and inhumane approach to deal with the matter...



Eng getting into his car with several of his dogs in an attempt to drive off with them from his home at Taman Desa Rasah in Seremban during the incident



Eng visiting the 11 dogs that he had transferred to a temporary shelter in Membau, several kilometres from his house in Seremban. Eng had kept 26 dogs until the incident, when half of them were shot dead by a team from the municipal council

"It is strange to hear people talk of Humanitarianism, who are members of societies for the prevention of cruelty to children and animals, and who claim to be God-loving men and women, but who, nevertheless, encourage by their patronage the killing of animals... ~ Otoman Zar-Adusht Ha'nish (1844-1936)

Petition Link Published Online and in the Newspapers

Malaysian Bar Councils

Department of Veterinary Services of Perak

The Star Online/Newspaper

Petition Advise for Signers

We understand that this incident is emotionally aggravating, but please present your comments/criticism in a positive and constructive manner that expresses integrity and professionalism, and without running counter to the basic principles of compassion and respect for others, no matter who they are or what they have done.

"We must become the change we want to see in the world." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

***********************************************************************************************************************************************

Petition Featured Voices for Those Who Have None

1,635
When I was in Penang, the local council there (MPSP) used to come to our neighborhood looking for stray dogs. The way the dogs ran away in fright, and the cruel way they were caught and eventually shot (not necessarily to death) is still very painful for me. I am amazed at how all the municipal councils share the same attitude towards animals. They are consistent in their disrespect of animal rights and life. Naomi (pic) is a victim of their cruelty. She was cruelly murdered early this year by another municipal council. Someone should put a stop to this and the only one who can is you, Mr. Prime Minister. Please make Malaysia a more caring society.


Raihana Souket
Malaysia

522
I represent the Remembering Sheena Campaign which began after a German Shepherd was kept starving by her owner. The newspapers reported that the Dept of Veterinary Services did not attend to the repeated telephone calls reporting Sheena's abuse and then the court let the owner of Sheena free with only a RM100 even though the law provides for a jail sentence. Now with the 13 dogs shot by the authorities it shows a total lack of compassion and humanity in Malaysian authorities in dealing with animals. Let the people not look the other way. What profits a Man when he gains the whole world and loses his soul.


Shoba Mano
Malaysia

1,795
Malaysians are unfortunately not the best when it comes to animal welfare. This incident is not an isolated one as there have been several other incidences where animals have been cruelly abused and/or killed. I am pleading to everyone to help make a change for the animals in Malaysia. They are beings with feelings too... Help make a difference. People who abuse animals should face harsher and stiffer punishment. A fine is just like a slap on the wrist. I think a suitable jail term should be imposed.


Natasha Fernz
Malaysia

1,771
Lots of animal abuse and cruelty by government bodies. Prime Minister, hold those responsible accountable even if its old news and amend the laws in Malaysia in regards to animal rights. We should not point our fingers elsewhere like we always do when it comes to matters like this as this will not bring us to the developed status we crave for. After all, even a starving African nation can build buildings to reach the sky... material wealth is no wealth at all

Carmel Tan
Malaysia

1,602
I can't imagine any Court could APPROVE the public shooting of dogs... they could have at least be humanely put to sleep... have these officers no heart??

Beatrice Wang
Malaysia

1,757
It is disgusting to see how some animals are treated here in Malaysia. Their actions which reflects their low mentality is a serious embarrassment to the rest of us. And I'm not just talking about this killing of 13 dogs; pets being dumped after the initial excitement is gone, children tormenting animals while their parents just laughed it off, adults mistreating animals when even the cheapest furniture in the house gets better treatment. How are we as a nation be advanced, when there are people around who act just like barbarians?

Jessie C.
Malaysia

1,668
Dear Mr. Prime Minister, in this day and age, when you so often talk about "civilizational understanding" and Islam Hadhari, it is shocking to note that voiceless creatures in the animal kingdom, specifically dogs, are slaughtered in cold blood by the Death Squads operating in our local councils. Aren't dogs too created by the Almighty God? Do you not believe this? Please put a stop to killings that make Malaysians look like barbaric people. Show the world that we are "civilized". Stop the killing of our animals. Show some humanity!!

Joshua G. Purushotman
Malaysia

710
I am appalled by the shooting. In a country that preaches living a life of good by example of Prophet Muhammad, this is what happens? Dogs are God's creatures as well, if not HE would not have made them. I wonder... had they been cats, would the authorities have shot them mercilessly like that?

Zehan Marissa
Malaysia

1,313
Apa salah haiwan-haiwan tu? Bukankah dalam hadith riwayat muslim dan bukhari menjelaskan yang Nabi Muhammad S.A.W. bersabda, "sesiapa yg mengasihani makhluk-makhluk Allah, maka ia juga menyayangi diri mereka"? Jadi fahamilah maksud sabda tersebut...

 
Nurazhar Mohamad
Malaysia

1,305
"He, who does a good deed to an animal, is equal to doing a good deed to a human being, and he who does an evil deed to an animal, is equal to doing an evil deed to a human being." - Nabi Muhammad SAW. "He who is kind to the creatures of Allah is kind to himself." - Nabi Muhammad SAW.

Mark Harris Zuknik
Malaysia

1,947
On the face of it this looks like a very cruel action by the authorities. I don't think there were any circumstances to justify such brutality (e.g. the dogs attacking the enforcement officers en masse). I strongly condemn this heinous act. I would like to add a side note: some may believe that such cruelty against dogs is a result of Malaysia's Islamic culture, but the truth is that Islam encourages kindness towards animals of all kinds (e.g. a well-known story of a woman whose sins were forgiven because of her single act of giving water to a thirsty dog). I hope that as Malaysia progresses we'll see better recognition of the rights of all vulnerable segments of our society, including dogs.

Iskandar Onn
Malaysia

1735
Kejam! Kejam! Adahkah ini sama macam tindakan ganas rejim yahudi?? Buat apa kita mengutuk negara lain?? Ini kerajaan lakukan tindakan ganas terhadap haiwan yg tidak bersalah. KEJAM! KEJAM! Memalukan bila lihat pemerintah kita sekarang!! 

Salleh Wan Ismail

Malaysia

1719
It's sad that in a lot of Asian countries dogs and other animals are seen as a minority, they aren%u2019t acknowledged as living breathing beings, just a meal or a thing of entertainment. Whatever happened to dogs being %u201CMans best friend%u201D? Disposition of dogs in this manner is sick and inhumane and I hope the Malaysian Municipal Council sees its errors and changes its ways.


Sully Al-Eidan
Saudi Arabia

467

The Malaysian people and government should show their humanity by denouncing this cruelty to animals.

  
James H. Fitch
United States

1,835
This is not a good reflection of the people in Malaysia. Not a good thing for the tourism industry when this is known worldwide.

ML Cheah
United States

303

This is disgusting, wrong, cruel, and shameful. Don't let it happen again. Don't take the lives of innocent creatures. Doing so only reflects on how little you respect ANY life, be it human or animal. Listen to the voices of all the people who have signed this petition, from all around the world, and rethink your cruel behavior. Make a change, and never let it happen again. 

Elizabeth Emerson

United States

***********************************************************************************************************************************************

Always remember, a humane society starts with you...

Petition Progress Update

Malaysiakini: PM, Ministers Should At Least Acknowledge!

As shown in Malaysiakini in the link above, the government of Malaysia did not respond to this petition's 2000 signature support to use our advise in implementing humane education, humane law enforcement, animal legal defense and legislative/law improvement/changes relating to all animals in Malaysia in the year of 2006. 

We don't really understand why even a single signature is required to implement humane values in our society? How much more signatures is needed before a government will embrace this humane support request? Is it so hard to become a humane society?

Petition Goal

Though the Eng's has been described as animal hoarders by the Malaysian Municipal Council and those who are in favor of that understanding, and in the inhumane action taken by them, this petition is not in anyway trying to make the Eng's look like they were indeed animal hoarders.

This petition is only trying to show what humane alternatives could have been taken based on the belief, accusation and excuses given by the Malaysian Municipal Council, and those who are in favor of that understanding and in the inhumane action taken by them. 

The goal of this petition is to gain the Malaysian government's support and cooperation to use our advise to implement humane education, humane law enforcement, animal legal defense and legislative/law improvement/changes relating to all animals in Malaysia.

We acknowledge the fact that there are many of those who dislike dogs and/or other animals in general, just like the way they would dislike some people too.

Therefore, we are trying to get government officials, judges, jury and the general public to understand, whatever our personal emotional feelings and/or mental thoughts towards a certain species are, may they be human or nonhuman, they all still deserve respect, fairness and humane treatment while justice is served when and where an abuse, cruelty or any form of injustice takes place.

We are trying to secure a better future for the animals in terms of welfare, protection and basic rights by looking at a bigger picture and working things out on a larger scale to help the Eng's, people who are in similar situations, and all animals in general no matter what species they belong too. 

Petition Case

It is claimed that the Eng's, guardian of 26 dogs were hoarding animals, a human behaviour that involves the keeping of higher than typical numbers of companion animals (pets) which is against the law, and without necessarily having the ability to properly house or care for them.

Yes, animal hoarding can lead to serious dangers to health, both for the companion animal and their guardians because of the sanitation issues that keeping animals entails.

Whatever the accusation is/was, true or false, these guardians of 26 dogs did what they did nothing but out of love and compassion. The authorities should have realized that there are humane ways in dealing with issues such as these.

Unfortunately, instead working together to help each other out, and finding humane solutions, the Malaysian Municipal Council Enforcement Officers took a rather shocking and inhumane approach to deal with the matter...



Eng getting into his car with several of his dogs in an attempt to drive off with them from his home at Taman Desa Rasah in Seremban during the incident



Eng visiting the 11 dogs that he had transferred to a temporary shelter in Membau, several kilometres from his house in Seremban. Eng had kept 26 dogs until the incident, when half of them were shot dead by a team from the municipal council

"It is strange to hear people talk of Humanitarianism, who are members of societies for the prevention of cruelty to children and animals, and who claim to be God-loving men and women, but who, nevertheless, encourage by their patronage the killing of animals... ~ Otoman Zar-Adusht Ha'nish (1844-1936)

Petition Link Published Online and in the Newspapers

Malaysian Bar Councils

Department of Veterinary Services of Perak

The Star Online/Newspaper

Petition Advise for Signers

We understand that this incident is emotionally aggravating, but please present your comments/criticism in a positive and constructive manner that expresses integrity and professionalism, and without running counter to the basic principles of compassion and respect for others, no matter who they are or what they have done.

"We must become the change we want to see in the world." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

***********************************************************************************************************************************************

Petition Featured Voices for Those Who Have None

1,635
When I was in Penang, the local council there (MPSP) used to come to our neighborhood looking for stray dogs. The way the dogs ran away in fright, and the cruel way they were caught and eventually shot (not necessarily to death) is still very painful for me. I am amazed at how all the municipal councils share the same attitude towards animals. They are consistent in their disrespect of animal rights and life. Naomi (pic) is a victim of their cruelty. She was cruelly murdered early this year by another municipal council. Someone should put a stop to this and the only one who can is you, Mr. Prime Minister. Please make Malaysia a more caring society.


Raihana Souket
Malaysia

522
I represent the Remembering Sheena Campaign which began after a German Shepherd was kept starving by her owner. The newspapers reported that the Dept of Veterinary Services did not attend to the repeated telephone calls reporting Sheena's abuse and then the court let the owner of Sheena free with only a RM100 even though the law provides for a jail sentence. Now with the 13 dogs shot by the authorities it shows a total lack of compassion and humanity in Malaysian authorities in dealing with animals. Let the people not look the other way. What profits a Man when he gains the whole world and loses his soul.


Shoba Mano
Malaysia

1,795
Malaysians are unfortunately not the best when it comes to animal welfare. This incident is not an isolated one as there have been several other incidences where animals have been cruelly abused and/or killed. I am pleading to everyone to help make a change for the animals in Malaysia. They are beings with feelings too... Help make a difference. People who abuse animals should face harsher and stiffer punishment. A fine is just like a slap on the wrist. I think a suitable jail term should be imposed.


Natasha Fernz
Malaysia

1,771
Lots of animal abuse and cruelty by government bodies. Prime Minister, hold those responsible accountable even if its old news and amend the laws in Malaysia in regards to animal rights. We should not point our fingers elsewhere like we always do when it comes to matters like this as this will not bring us to the developed status we crave for. After all, even a starving African nation can build buildings to reach the sky... material wealth is no wealth at all

Carmel Tan
Malaysia

1,602
I can't imagine any Court could APPROVE the public shooting of dogs... they could have at least be humanely put to sleep... have these officers no heart??

Beatrice Wang
Malaysia

1,757
It is disgusting to see how some animals are treated here in Malaysia. Their actions which reflects their low mentality is a serious embarrassment to the rest of us. And I'm not just talking about this killing of 13 dogs; pets being dumped after the initial excitement is gone, children tormenting animals while their parents just laughed it off, adults mistreating animals when even the cheapest furniture in the house gets better treatment. How are we as a nation be advanced, when there are people around who act just like barbarians?

Jessie C.
Malaysia

1,668
Dear Mr. Prime Minister, in this day and age, when you so often talk about "civilizational understanding" and Islam Hadhari, it is shocking to note that voiceless creatures in the animal kingdom, specifically dogs, are slaughtered in cold blood by the Death Squads operating in our local councils. Aren't dogs too created by the Almighty God? Do you not believe this? Please put a stop to killings that make Malaysians look like barbaric people. Show the world that we are "civilized". Stop the killing of our animals. Show some humanity!!

Joshua G. Purushotman
Malaysia

710
I am appalled by the shooting. In a country that preaches living a life of good by example of Prophet Muhammad, this is what happens? Dogs are God's creatures as well, if not HE would not have made them. I wonder... had they been cats, would the authorities have shot them mercilessly like that?

Zehan Marissa
Malaysia

1,313
Apa salah haiwan-haiwan tu? Bukankah dalam hadith riwayat muslim dan bukhari menjelaskan yang Nabi Muhammad S.A.W. bersabda, "sesiapa yg mengasihani makhluk-makhluk Allah, maka ia juga menyayangi diri mereka"? Jadi fahamilah maksud sabda tersebut...

 
Nurazhar Mohamad
Malaysia

1,305
"He, who does a good deed to an animal, is equal to doing a good deed to a human being, and he who does an evil deed to an animal, is equal to doing an evil deed to a human being." - Nabi Muhammad SAW. "He who is kind to the creatures of Allah is kind to himself." - Nabi Muhammad SAW.

Mark Harris Zuknik
Malaysia

1,947
On the face of it this looks like a very cruel action by the authorities. I don't think there were any circumstances to justify such brutality (e.g. the dogs attacking the enforcement officers en masse). I strongly condemn this heinous act. I would like to add a side note: some may believe that such cruelty against dogs is a result of Malaysia's Islamic culture, but the truth is that Islam encourages kindness towards animals of all kinds (e.g. a well-known story of a woman whose sins were forgiven because of her single act of giving water to a thirsty dog). I hope that as Malaysia progresses we'll see better recognition of the rights of all vulnerable segments of our society, including dogs.

Iskandar Onn
Malaysia

1735
Kejam! Kejam! Adahkah ini sama macam tindakan ganas rejim yahudi?? Buat apa kita mengutuk negara lain?? Ini kerajaan lakukan tindakan ganas terhadap haiwan yg tidak bersalah. KEJAM! KEJAM! Memalukan bila lihat pemerintah kita sekarang!! 

Salleh Wan Ismail

Malaysia

1719
It's sad that in a lot of Asian countries dogs and other animals are seen as a minority, they aren%u2019t acknowledged as living breathing beings, just a meal or a thing of entertainment. Whatever happened to dogs being %u201CMans best friend%u201D? Disposition of dogs in this manner is sick and inhumane and I hope the Malaysian Municipal Council sees its errors and changes its ways.


Sully Al-Eidan
Saudi Arabia

467

The Malaysian people and government should show their humanity by denouncing this cruelty to animals.

  
James H. Fitch
United States

1,835
This is not a good reflection of the people in Malaysia. Not a good thing for the tourism industry when this is known worldwide.

ML Cheah
United States

303

This is disgusting, wrong, cruel, and shameful. Don't let it happen again. Don't take the lives of innocent creatures. Doing so only reflects on how little you respect ANY life, be it human or animal. Listen to the voices of all the people who have signed this petition, from all around the world, and rethink your cruel behavior. Make a change, and never let it happen again. 

Elizabeth Emerson

United States

***********************************************************************************************************************************************

Always remember, a humane society starts with you...

Dear Prime Minister Y.A.B. Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi,

I am writing to express my grave concern with the continued animal abuses being waged by the Municipal Councils of Malaysia against innocent animals, may they be under a human family guardian or simply just homeless animals. And, I support the Malaysian people's struggle to protect the welfare of these animals that are being subjected to unnecessary abuse, over and over again. It appears that the Malaysian government tolerates violence such as these by allowing such abuses to continue simply because animals such as dogs and alike are regarded insignificant by some humans in this country.

Again and again, we are hearing that the Malaysian animals are subjected to such brutal and barbaric treatment by government enforcement officers. I'm sure you agree with me that such an action has no place in a civilised society which we aspire to be, and should be roundly condemned. Further, I am appalled that the abusive actions of the Malaysian Municipal Councils is continuing without any restrictions by the government whatsoever. Our great nation's reputation continues to be deeply sullied by the Malaysian Municipal Councils uncivilised and inhumane treatment of animals. For Malaysia's claims to have entered among the realm of progressed countries to be shown to be true, the government simply must ensure that all animals are treated humanely, and with respect at all times.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Thus, I insist, the authorities assigned to do such tasks, not to use such abusive and violent force when conducting their job, and be considerate both to the animal and their human family guardians who only wish to protect their nonhuman animal family member, out of compassion and love. Please ensure that all staffs of the Malaysian Municipal Councils are provided with proper humane education before allowing them to perform their designated functions. Below are some examples, suggestions and guidelines on what could and should have been done instead:

Prosecution
If animal hoarders refuse to permit inspection of their homes, officials can obtain search warrants with evidence that animals are being harmed, as usually, the animal hoarders'  companion animals tend to be suffering from some disease or infection. And because animal hoarders are often emotionally troubled rather than criminally inclined, judges can impose conditions that help these animal hoarders. They can require counseling for instance, or ban the person from having a companion animal. 
Companion animal restrictions
For example, Malaysia has limited the number of animals by restricting households to two dogs. This ordinance may also prohibit people from disturbing neighborhoods with barking animals, stenches or unsanitary conditions. Police would gain authority to make sure the animals in a home are permitted under the ordinance. Such laws also give officials a way into problem homes. However, restricting the number of companion animals also penalizes responsible human animal guardians. An alternative is to permit more animals than the limit if guardians agree to a periodic inspection by government officials. 
Compromise
Animal control officers or humane society volunteers can gain the trust of animal hoarders and convince them to relinquish animals. Although this may lead to euthanization of the animals concerned, it still gives people a chance to manage these animals and find alternatives instead. For example, in southeastern Indiana, several volunteers in the animal-rescue community have been working for months with an elderly woman who hoards dogs. The volunteers have been removing dogs a few at a time, paying to have them sterilized, then returning them until better homes are found. They have also obtained dog food for the hoarder and built doghouses on her property. One of the volunteers, Carole Vatter, says, "the goal is to save the animals. It's not their fault.%u201D 

So you see, it just needs a little patience and love when dealing with people and animals to get things done effectively, and correctly. The key is coordination among agencies such as an animal welfare organization and/or a humane society volunteers.

"Since both human as well as animal victims are involved, it is important for a broad spectrum of the social safety net to help with these cases,%u201D ~ Gary Patronek (Veterinarian and Epidemiologist-Tufts University in Massachusetts).

Please work to end animal abuse and the associated human emotional abuse, and again, please provide the Malaysian Municipal Councils with proper humane education before allowing them to walk among other humans and nonhumans alike, ever again.

If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men. ~ St Francis of Assissi


Thank you,

The Undersigned.

"Love animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and joy untroubled. Do not trouble their joy, don't harrass them, don't deprive them of their happiness, don't work against God's intent. Man, do not pride yourself on superiority to animals; they are without sin, and you, with your greatness, defile the earth by your appearance on it, and leave the traces of your foulness after you - alas, it is true of almost every one of us!" ~ Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821-1881)