Bow-wow to amended rules
By Sharmini Angela
The Sun, 13 Mar 2006

SHAH ALAM: After two inconclusive meetings, dog owners and the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) met again last Thursday and agreed on conditions for dog licenses.

In a dialogue with mayor Datuk Ramli Mahmud at Wisma MBSA, residents and Malaysian Association for Responsible PetOwnership (Marpo) amicably agreed on several amendments to dog-ownership licenses in the 1982 by-laws (Shah Alam municipality).

From April 1, until the implementation of the Local Government and Housing Ministry’s uniform policy on Dog Ownership Licenses to be applicable nationwide, the Datuk Bandar agreed on some amendments (see graphics).

The licensing fee has been reduced from RM60 per dog (RM10 for license, RM20 for badge and RM30 processing fee) to RM20 per dog, not inclusive of RM2 for application form.

With the introduction of the microchip (containing particulars on the dog and owner) embedded in the dogs, licensing will still remain at RM20 annually.

“Marpo will work with the MBSA throughout the month to conduct courses and talks to educate the public about pet ownership, including the caring for and maintaining a dog.

“This will hopefully ensure no issues crop up with regard to irresponsible pet-owners and other such matters,” Ramli said.

He added: “Following complaints on irresponsible pet owners, an investigation will be conducted and action will be taken by the council. “If found guilty, the owner will be fined and the dog will be sent to PAWS or a pound.”

Dog licenses can be obtained within two weeks, provided all the paper work is in order.

Breeds which are still banned by the MBSA are Akita, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, Japanese Tosa, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pitbull Terrier/American Pitbull and the Staffonshire Bull Terrier.

Rottweiller owners will have to get the approval of the Veterinary Services Department (VSD) which has approved for certain breeds to be kept.

Marpo pro tem president Dr Jon S. Satyamoorthy said all parties were happy with the meeting.

“At least, after two fruitless meetings with deputy mayor Za’ba Che Rus, there is a positive conclusion and everyone is agreeable to the amendments.

“I do hope, however, that the regulation, which will be implemented by the ministry, will continue to benefit the pet-owners of Shah Alam,” he added.