Animal protection: Be firm with pet stores
By : S.M. MOHD IDRIS, for Sahabat Alam Malaysia
NST, 24 Jan 2008

SAHABAT ALAM MALAYSIA welcomes Dr Amerjit Singh's (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) initiative to clarify the department's role in the protection of pet shop animals ("Vital to increase public awareness" - NST, Jan 8).

Sahabat Alam is aware that the department has jurisdiction only over wildlife species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

All domesticated animals, non-protected bird species and even alien species not listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Flora and Fauna (Cites) do not receive protection of the department.

The other departments accountable for the condition of pet shop animals are the Veterinary Services Department and local councils.

The Veterinary Services Department, the main custodian for safeguarding all living creatures, should not turn a blind eye to the plight of all animals but accord legal protection for most animals housed in pet stores.

Local councils should not continue to issue licences for operating pet shops without inspecting licensed premises at all reasonable times.

Pet shops are no place for animals.

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