By-law puts tight leash on dog owners

A UNIFORM by-law, expected to be enforced nationwide later in the year, makes it mandatory for all dog owners to register their canines at the veterinary services department.

Each of the registered animals will be given a health certificate and an identification microchip.

Dr Satyamoorthy … ‘owners must also carry a scoop or bag when they take their dogs out’
Their owners, however, must get a licence from the local council to keep the pet. And, those wanting to keep more than two dogs must obtain approval from the veterinary services department before the council issues the additional licence.

Any restricted dog should also require the department’s approval first.

Disabled people and government agencies will be exempted from paying licensing fee.

These details were outlined at a recent meeting attended by Housing and Local Government Ministry parliamentary secretary Dr S.S. Subramaniam, the department’s veterinary director Dr Fadzilah Aini Abdul Kadir and City Hall legal affairs head Teoh The Bee.

Malaysian for Responsible Pet Ownership (Marpo) pro-tem president Dr Jon Satyamoorthy said the new law would come into effect by May or June after the Attorney-General’s Chambers had given its approval.

He said the annual licensing fee for a single dog would be RM10 and, for each subsequent dog, RM30.

Dr Satyamoorthy said the new by-law would require dog owners to leash their pets when the animals were taken outdoors.

“They must also carry a scoop or bag to collect their pets’ excretion,’’ he said.

Unattended dogs above three months old and wearing a metal badge or microchip in public places would be caught and kept by the local council.

If not claimed by the owner within seven days, the council may put the dog up for adoption or put it to sleep.

A compound of RM50 and maintenance fee of RM20 for each dog may be charged upon its release to the owner.

“The draft is a good thing for all dog lovers and owners in Malaysia,” said Dr Satyamoorthy, adding that senior citizens also should be exempted from paying the licensing fee.

Full Story at The Star, Malaysia

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.

MBSA’s rules for keeping dogs
The Sun, 13 Mar 2006

• Terrace houses can keep only one dog but owners in terrace houses with two dogs now may care for them until they die.
• Corner terrace houses with land are allowed to keep two dogs
• Bungalows and semi-detached homes are allowed to have two dogs without neighbor’s feedback
• New dog owners in terrace houses need to get feedback from immediate neighbors before getting a dog license 
• Kennels are not compulsory
• Owners need not produce veterinary certificate when applying for license, but must submit a photograph of their dog
• Licensing fee reduced from RM60 to RM30 per dog (not inclusive of RM2 for application form)
• Dog licenses obtained from another local authority (and residents move to Shah Alam) remain valid until due for renewal 
• Senior citizens and pensioners above 56 get 50% discount for dog licenses
• Disabled people are exempted from paying for license if they produce disabled card.

Hence it is a good new to dog owner in Shah Alam area where terrace houses are now allowed to keep one dog.

Puppy.com.my will be having another Dog Micro-Chipping Drive at Taman Desa Community Park on March 19, 2006. Dog vaccinations ( or annual booster ) services will also be available on the same day at RM 35.00 per vaccination. Details, venue and time are as below:-

Dog Micro-chipping and Vaccination Schedule
Date and Time : March 19, 2006 9:30am ~ 11:30am
Venue : Taman Desa Community Park
Services Available : Dog Micro-chipping and Vaccinations

Dog Microchip – RM 18.00 per chip
Implantation of Microchip – RM 10.00 per chip by an experienced Vet
6 in 1 Vaccination / Annual Booster – RM 35.00 per jab.

Dogs not just toys for luck
By MEERA VIJAYAN
The Star, 24 Jan 2006

JOHOR BARU: The sudden demand for canines this coming Year of the Dog has got animal lovers worried.

Chartered accountant and animal lover C. Kunathasan, 54, said dogs are not “toys” that one buys for good feng shui.

“People who don’t genuinely love dogs but just want the luck that dogs may bring should consider buying statues of dogs instead.

“If the dog is neglected after the Chinese New Year, then it becomes animal abuse,” he said.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor branch chairman Christine Chin said she had mixed feelings about the rise in the number of dogs bought or adopted recently.

“We are happy that there is so much attention on dogs this year, but we are also concerned that people may be buying dogs for the wrong reasons,” she said.

“For instance, when the movie 101 Dalmatians came out several years ago, it created a huge demand for Dalmatians.

“Two years later, we saw so many of those Dalmatians surrendered to the SPCA.” She urged pet shop operators to caution prospective buyers about the responsibilities that come with keeping a dog.

Chin said the SPCA receives almost a thousand animals a month, with 80% of the animals brought in by their owners who did not want them any more.

On people who want a dog just for luck, she warned: “Going along the same lines, if you buy a dog for luck and discard the dog later, you will be throwing away your luck, too.”

Full Story

Pictures taken on Malaysia K9 Day 2006 has been uploaded to

http://www.doggie.com.my/thumbnails.php?album=8

It’s the oldest story in the book: Robotic dog turns up on your doorstop looking cute and winsome, learns a few words and tricks, and then gets canceled just as you’ve gotten to love it.

As part of its ongoing cost-cutting and reorganization effort, Sony has cut its line of robotic Aibo dogs, along with another, more-expensive, humanoid robot called the Qrio, which was never sold as a product.

According to a company representative, more than 150,000 Aibos have been sold since they went on the market in 1999. But the overall company is in the midst of an historic belt-tightening, and the robotics unit didn’t make the cut.

“Our core businesses are electronics, games and entertainment, but the focus is going to be on profitability and strategic growth,” said Sony spokeswoman Kirstie Pfeiffer. “In light of that, we’ve decided to cancel the Aibo line.”

Sony’s $2,000 electronic dog had always fallen more in the gee-whiz category than into the realm of viable mainstream consumer product, though it has helped unleash dozens of lower-tech plastic knockoffs, as well as a few big-brand copycats.

Full Story

The Malaysia K9 Day 2005 will held on January 8th, 2006 at Central Park, Bandar Utama, Kuala Lumpur. It is an annual event dedicated to all dogs, be it a mixed breed dog or pure breed dog. All are welcome to join us at Central Park on this meaningful day.

Date : January 08, 2006
Venue : Central Park, Bandar Utama, Kuala Lumpur
Time : 8:30am to 3:00pm
Admission : Free
Open to : All dogs lovers. Owner of Mixed Breeds and Pure Breeds dog and their dogs.

More information can be read at www.puppy.com.my/k9day2006/
To Register for Malaysia Dog Beauty Pageant 2006 => www.puppy.com.my/k9day2006/k9bpform.html ( Free to participate for all )

Highlights

• The 3rd Purina / Puppycom Beauty Pageant


• Police K9 Unit Demonstration with brand new demonstration.


• The Protection Dog Demonstration.


• Purina Puppycom Obedience and Agility Demonstration



• Doggie Games
  o Dog Fastest Recall
  o Obe-Agi Dash Run
  o Fastest Eating Duo
  o Amazing Agility Race
  o Dog Longest Stay
  o Waggy Tail Contest
  o Dog Musical Chair




• Dog Charities



• Micro-chipping of Dogs


• Dog Parade


• Meet the Dog Breeds


• Lucky Draws


• Doggie Products’ Booth


• Vet Corner that offer free medical checkup for your furkids


• Meet the Breed Section

Program of the day

8.15 am Registration Of Visitors & Doggie Games
8.45 am Starter Trivia (5 trivia games / questions)
8.55 am Game 1 – Dog Wagging Tail Contest + Lucky Draw 1
9.10 am Dog Parade
9.25 am Beauty Pageant – Part 1

• Parade around the stage with & without Dress + Introduction


• Most Photogenic Dog


• Most Creatively / Best Dressed Dog

10.10 am Opening Ceremony and Launch of Purina Pro Plan New Dog Food
10.25 am Games 2 – Dog Fastest Eating Duo + Lucky Draw 2
10.45 am Dog Obedience and CGC Demonstration by Puppycom Dog Obedience Team & Agility Demonstration by the Puppycom Agility Team
11.00 am Demonstration by the Police K9 Unit – with new demonstration that will be different from past demonstration
11.25 am Protection Dogs Demonstration
11.40 am Games 3 – Fastest Recall + Lucky Draw 3
12:00 noon : Games 4 – Obe-Agi Dash Run
12.20 pm Beauty Pageant Part 2 + Final

• Most Intelligent / Best Performer Dog


• Most Popular / Favourite Dog (Offline and Online Competition)


• Mr & Ms Puppycom

1:05 pm Trivia Time (5 Trivia)
1.15 pm Games 5 – Longest Stay + Lucky Draw 4
1.35 pm Games 6 – Amazing Agility Race
2.00 pm Games 7 – Musical chair + Lucky Draw 5
2.30 pm Prize Presentation Ceremony – Announcement of Winner in Beauty Pageant
2.45 – 3.00 pm + End : Photo taking Session & Dog Socialization Sessions

Prizes of Malaysia Dog Beauty Pageant 2006

1st Prize : Cash RM 500 + Hamper + 3 KG Dog Food x 2 + Trophy + Dog Figurine
2nd Prize : Cash RM 350 + Hamper + 3 KG Dog Food x 2 + Trophy
3rd Prize : Cash RM 250 + Hamper + 3 KG Dog Food x 2 + Trophy
Most Photogenic Dog : Cash RM 100 + Hamper + Dog Treat
Best Dressed Dog/Most Creatively : Cash RM 100 + Hamper + Dog Treat
Most Popular Contestant : Cash RM 100 + Hamper + Dog Treat
Most Intelligent Dog : Cash RM 100 + Hamper + Dog Treat

More information can be read at www.puppy.com.my/k9day2006/

More than 30 dogs, mixed and pure breed dogs, were microchiped last weekend at Taman Desa. More dogs are expected to be microchiped in the near future. The new microchiping service offer by Puppy.com.my are meant for all dogs, mixed or pure breed, that has not been microchipped. Each chip that are implanted into the dogs beneath their skin carry a unique identification number which can be read by a microchip scanner. Puppy.com.my will maintain the database of all dogs microchip at Puppy.com.my’s facilities. Price of microchip is extremely affordable at RM 18.00 for the chip and RM 10.00 for implantation by a qualified vet.

More information on dog microchipping can be viewed at http://www.puppy.com.my/ob/microchip.html

The microchiping campaign will be carried out monthly at the Taman Desa Community Park. Announcement on future microchiping day will be announced at http://www.puppy.com.my/ob/

Don’t punish responsible dog owners
The Sun, 3 Dec 2005

THE SHAH ALAM City Council has banned several breeds of dogs from the state, some of which include the Rottweiler, Japanese Tosa, Akita and American Bulldog.

Come Jan 1, those who fail to find a place for these breeds are expected to surrender them to the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) or get rid of the dogs themselves.

Those whose dogs do not fall under this category must adhere to new rulings in order to keep their dogs.

Among these rulings are that they should get the permission of neighbors from houses on the left, right, front and back in order to keep their dog.

So in order not to be parted they are basically at the mercy of their neighbors.

All this is the result of a dog attack on a nine-year old boy, Muhammad Hazman Seh Zahidi, in Putrajaya last month.

This is a terrible ruling. Dogs that become vicious, in almost all cases got that way due to abuse by its owner.

When we force people to be responsible pet owners, we will see loving dogs and the added benefit is that we won’t be seeing strays running around without food, drink or shelter.

Please help the Shah Alam dog lovers who are devastated at the prospect of parting with their dogs. Please sign their petition by going online at this link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/
778821216 Nick Josh K Karean Petaling Jaya