Show more compassion when handling strays, MPSJ is told

Subang Jaya Municipal Council officers were shown in a video in an altercation with animal rights activist Koh Tat Meng.

PETALING JAYA: An animal rights group has called for greater compassion from local council officers in handling stray animals after the Subang Jaya Municipal Council decided to sue an animal activist for defamation.

The activist, Koh Tat Meng, had alleged that council dog-catchers had assaulted him, a video of which was widely shared.

An animal rights group said the suit was a waste of taxpayer’s money. Karin Lee, an executive committee member of the Give for Paws group, said cruelty to animals cannot be tolerated.

The MPSJ matter could have been averted if it was handled more professionally, with decency and civility, she said. “When operations such as these are carried out more humanely, the public will be more accepting,” she said.

Karin Lee, executive committee member of Give for Paws.

She told FMT that the money and time spent on the suit could have been used for “more positive actions”, calling for greater compassion from all levels of society, particularly local council authorities.

Another animal rights activist, Christine Chin, called for understanding and tolerance in similar cases, adding that resorting to legal options only further provokes the public.

Chin, who is chaiman of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Selangor, said MPSJ’s focus should be to improve public services.

Christine Chin, Selangor chairman of the SPCA.

She said Koh had been neither aggressive nor violent and it was “a simple act of compassion for a scared and frightened animal”. She urged MPSJ to apologise and state how they can improve.

A video of the incident taken by Koh’s wife, Diong Mei Li, showed several MPSJ officers trying to catch the dog while Koh attempted to intervene. Koh was seen being pinned against a car after he made several mentions of Prophet Muhammad’s name.

Koh later said he had not intended to insult Islam but was merely asking the MPSJ personnel to show compassion towards the dog.

The Selangor government has expressed regret over the officers’ behaviour but said procedures must be followed to ensure the well-being of animals and the safety of personnel. - FMT