MBSA to draw up guidelines on dog ownership
RIZALMAN HAMMIM
Malay Mail, 21 Dec 2005

SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR, Dec 21 The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) will set up a committee to formulate a comprehensive guideline on dog ownership in the city, says its deputy mayor Za’ba Che Rus.

"The committee will consist of MBSA councillors and officers, officers from the Veterinary Services Department (VSD) and representatives from MARPO (Malaysian Association for Responsible Pet Ownership)," said Za’ba at a Press conference here yesterday.

He was speaking to the media after chairing a dialogue between MBSA, MARPO and Shah Alam dog owners who had voiced their disagreement over the council’s current guideline.

Also present were officers from VSD and representatives from the

Veterinary Association of Malaysia.

"The committee is expected to hold its first meeting either at the end of this month or early next month. They will take into account public opinion and feedback before coming out with the new guideline," said Za’ba.

He said the guideline will be in force until the Housing and Local Government Ministry announces the new nationwide regulations.

However, MARPO pro-tem president Dr Jon Satyamoorthy was disappointed with the outcome of the dialogue.

"We had expected MBSA to defer the guideline until the announcement by the Ministry, just like what the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) had done," said Satyamoorthy.

Earlier this month, MPSJ said it had postponed indefinitely its new regulations on compulsory dog training before the renewal of licences as it wanted to ensure that the new rules are in line with the Dog Licensing By-law 1982.

"We need more dialogues to resolve this matter. But, I am happy that MBSA is willing to listen to the pet owners," said Satyamoorthy.

Last month, MARPO had asked MBSA to revoke its latest dog licensing rule which it described as unfair and voiced its concern that the council did not consult the association or Shah Alam residents before coming up with the new rulings.