KUCHING, Sept 15: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing has hit out at irresponsible pet owners who release their animals on the streets to become strays.
He described the act of these pet owners as ‘cruel’ and added that with the current outbreak of rabies which has claimed at least 18 lives, some owners seemingly continue with their irresponsible act.
“We wouldn’t have problems with stray dogs or cats if their original owners look after their pets and keep them in their own compound especially in the city.
“If you want to keep pets, please look after them. It’s cruel to let them wander and scavenge for food.
“Most of strays are diseased and, therefore, are dangerous to the public,” Masing said here today.
Masing was commenting on SSPCA’s efforts to build a state-of-the-art animal village at Sungai Tapang at a cost of RM5 mil.
The new facility consisting of health centre, boarding facility, a café and a pet-grooming centre will be built on a 0.8 hectare of land with a built-up area of 10,000 feet. It will be able to cater to about 170 cats and dogs at any time.
The ground-breaking ceremony of the new animal village was performed by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg last Friday (Sept 13).
