According to official statistics provided by the veterinary services department (DVS), between 2017 and 2018, there was a 30% rise in the number of reported animal abuse cases in Malaysia, from 510 to 662. The department also cited a 10% increase in cases between 2016 and 2017.

Despite steep penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, including the prospect of a jail term, animal abuse in Malaysia continues to be a problem.

More than 90% of the above cases involved dogs, followed by cats, although these aren’t the only victims. Monkeys, roosters, and even fighting fish have been subject to the mercy, or otherwise, of uncaring humans – from owners to breeders and even local councils.

More soberingly, the real numbers are likely to be much higher as many instances of cruelty go unreported.

The following is a letter by one animal advocate to new education minister Fadhlina Sidek and deputy education minister Lim Hui Ying on why cultivating kindness to animals begins at home and, crucially, in school.

Dear YB Fadhlina and YB Lim,

My name is Chan Kah Yein and my professional background is in the field of education. I have a PhD in Mathematics Education and 34 years of teaching experience prior to my retirement. Education, therefore, is something very near and dear to my heart.

I also have a passion for helping animals. I am the founder of AnimalCare Society Petaling Selangor. We mainly provide financial aid to help in the neutering and vaccination of street animals but, more importantly, aim to inculcate kindness to animals through education and example.

In our work, we are often contacted by people who seek advice on how to manage their pets. There have been cases of owners who no longer want their pets after the initial excitement period is over, or when their pets fall ill or grow old.

This often results in abandonment, where unwanted pets are left to fend for themselves in market places, eating stalls, or even by the roadside.

When the number of abandoned pets increases, people who are not tolerant of their presence report them to the authorities, and they are captured and destroyed. Many of the “strays” we see in urban areas may not have been born as strays; they are abandoned pets, or the offspring of abandoned pets. This is a very sad malady inflicting modern society.

Neutering pets and street animals is a very important and effective way of controlling the street animal population. Neutering stops unwanted breeding, but many are not aware of its importance or the benefits of getting their pets desexed. Where can they get this information?

We also read not just about neglect but the abuse of animals, whether they be pets at home or street animals. There have been numerous acts of cruelty committed towards animals, resulting in injuries as well as death.

The Animal Welfare Act 2015 was formulated to inculcate responsible pet ownership, but how many people actually read it to garner information?

With the Act, there are heavier penalties for such crimes. While this discourages animal abuse, a more effective way to mitigate such incidents would be to nip it in the bud – and this is where education plays a very important role.

Knowledge is power

I write now to request if you might consider introducing lessons on how to care for animals in the primary and secondary school curricula, so that our children can be guided to live responsibly and harmoniously with animals from a young age.

Not only will the animals benefit from this, but studies have shown that interaction with animals can teach children about empathy and kindness, and build their self-esteem. When we tap into children’s natural affinity and love for animals, we can foster prosocial behaviour in the classroom that will go a long way in moulding them to be socially positive citizens.

Furthermore, research on pet ownership and social development has suggested an association with increased social competence, networking, and interaction.

Even if one does not choose to adopt pets, street animals are part and parcel of any community. Learning to coexist harmoniously with them is a skill that will go a long way towards creating a peaceful life for all.

A good example is Turkey, where the citizens live harmoniously with street animals. They set up feeding stations, and the animals are neutered and vaccinated, supported by the government.

All such goodness begins with education. Our future depends on the young.

We fervently hope you will give our suggestion some thought and consideration, and believe you will craft the future of our children with the power entrusted to you to make changes and build the next generation of Malaysia.

Dr Chan Kah Yein
AnimalCare Society Petaling Selangor
on behalf of street animals in Malaysia

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.