What they say about the new ruling
Metro, 24 Dec 2005

Anthony Thanasayan said he was pleased that the council allowed the disabled to keep Rottweilers - for now until the animals die. “But, I feel sad that the able-bodied people can't,'' he said.  

“My dog has given me life,'' said the wheel-chair bound. 

“I need assistance that only a dog can give.”  

He said banning people from owning a Rottweiler did not mean that people would actually stop owning one. “Instead it will encourage only more irresponsible owners.'' 

Thanasayan said what was lacking was education. “Everyone needs proper training on how best they can care for their dog, not only about what the dog can or cannot do. 

“Rottweilers are one of the best dogs in assisting disabled people. 

“I don't know what I would have done without mine,'' he added.  

Thanasayan suggested that instead of imposing a total ban on owning Rottweilers,     the      authority     should

restrict it. “Make the owners go for proper training on how to handle their dogs,'' he said. “Require them to get regular health checks for their dogs.''

Thanasayan said few people knew of the dog being used to help mankind, not just the disabled. “It includes using them for medical purposes,'' he said.  

Known as animal-assisted therapy, dogs are used to help even the sick and the elderly feel good and loved.    

Dr Fadzilah Aini A. Kadir  

Dr Fadzilah, from the Veterinarian Services Department, said it was necessary for dogs to have their own place.  

Although a kennel was ideal, a specific corner in a house must be reserved for the pet. 

“A dog needs a place of its own,'' she said. “Even if this space is in the indoors they can still be kept from the heat.”  

She said the department was currently in the process of drawing up guidelines for owners on how to provide proper care for their dogs.    

Chong Mun Lin  

Chong said she was concerned about the new doghouse ruling. She said that she stayed in a link house. 

“Building a doghouse will pose a problem because of limited space,'' she said, adding that her dog was currently kept inside the house. 

“Many dog owners actually prefer their pets indoors,'' said Chong. “Let us have the option to either build a doghouse or keep our pets in our homes.''    

Dr Aziz Jamaluddin 

Dr Aziz from the Veterinary Services Department in Putrajaya said restrictions on dog ownership were necessary until any new ruling from the authorities came out. 

“Until such a time when there are exemptions, the current ruling on Rottweilers stays,'' he said. “We do not want anyone to go to a pet shop and buy any dog they fancy, even the ferocious ones.'' 

Dr Aziz said allowing such a freedom would be dangerous. “The consequences can be disastrous.''