MKA: Dog owners need not be members
Malay Mail, 29 Oct 2005

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29: The Malaysian Kennel Association (MKA) has clarified that it is not compulsory for dog owners who send their pets to the association for training, to become members of the association.

It also clarified that the cost of training is RM100 and not RM200 as reported.

MKA chief executive officer Dr C.G.A. Fonseka said it was up to owners to become members. The annual fee is RM55.

On its appointment by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), he said MKA was engaged to train the dogs to reduce the likelihood of the animals becoming a nuisance or posing a danger to the public.

Owners are required to be present during the training, he said.

“It is not for the dogs only. Their owners will be also be taught to be more responsible towards their pets,” he said.
 

Dr Fonseka was commenting on our report yesterday, highlighting Responsible Pet Ownership’s (Marpo) disappointment over MPSJ’s ruling that dog owners in the municipality must send their pets for training with MKA.

The ruling will be implemented next year.

Marpo felt that the RM200 fee, including RM55 for membership, was too steep, especially for the elderly, disabled and retirees.