Championing animal rights
Metro, 27 Sept 2005

TO give a voice to the voiceless is its motto. Malaysians for Responsible Pet Ownership (Marpo) is a new non-governmental organization dedicated to fighting for animal rights.  

Still in its forming stages, Marpo comprises both professional and non-professional members who want to ensure pet owners are responsible beings and that they are aware of proper breeding methods.  

Its objective also stretches to controlling abuse of pets by educating owners on proper healthcare and animal welfare.  

Currently, Marpo has seven members. Past vice-president of the Bar Council Malaysia, Roy Rajasingham, clinical psychologist Teoh Hsien-Jin and associate professor Dr. Nadzariah Cheng from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University Putra Malaysia (UPM) are its advisers.  

Dr Satyamoorthy...‘Marpo recognises the roles pets played in the lives of their owners’

Marpo’s pro-tem president Dr Jon Satyamoorthy said the association was formed last month following several controversial issues surrounding pet dogs in recent times.

“We realize that whilst there are groups dealing with animal cruelty and pet welfare, and others on dog training and pedigree promotion, there was none to speak out on pets owned by people,” said Dr Satyamoorthy.  

This includes pet care, information on pet health and safety.  

Dr Satyamoorthy said Marpo recognized the roles pets played in the lives of their owners such as for security purposes, companionship and bonding.  

He said the most effective way to bring out responsible pet ownership was through public education.  

“For this, we will organize dialogues with local councils, talks, workshops and seminars with pet owners while networking with other animal welfare organization.”