PETALING JAYA: Ban on the sale of dogs and cats at pet shops is unnecessary as most pet sellers are responsible and passionate in what they do, says pet shop owner Azman Khan Ali Khan.
He said advocating for the adoption of pets was welcomed, though it might also result in more pet dumping.
“When people buy these pure-bred pets between RM2,000 and RM7,000, they will not dump them by the roadside.
“Adoption of pets is good but the motivation to care for it will be less too because very little money was spent to adopt it in the first place. Abandoning them would not hurt their wallet.
“The problem lies with the pet owner. Many do not know the commitment they take on when they adopt a pet.
“It is like raising a child. You must vaccinate them, take them to the clinic, bring them for walks, and take good care of them.
“It is costly too, especially their food, medical needs and grooming, if necessary,” he said.
Azman added that the country had many pet lovers and animal advocates in the non-governmental sectors who were always quick to spot anything amiss at the shops.
“We cannot run away from the animal lovers. If they smell anything fishy at the pet shops, they will report to the authorities quickly.
“We pet shop owners care for our animals too and ensure they are ethically bred,” said Azman, who owns AK SNake Legend World, an outlet that sells cats, corn snakes and sugar gliders.
Meanwhile, an animal lover, Dr Yabitha Vasavan, said she hopes the idea would be implemented in Johor too.
“I’d like to see this in Johor as well. I think some registered shops may be allowed to sell pets, but they should be registered, and the pets they’re selling should come from legitimate breeders.
“I advocate adoption, and not shopping for pets,” she said.
Meanwhile, Samantha Ng said the sale of pets on social media and the online sales platforms should be banned as well.
“Many buyers are going to go directly to breeders, and that will make it worse for the breeding stock of female dogs and cats.
“If you want to ban, then go all the way, including online. Then true pet lovers will not mind adopting local mixed breeds and mongrels.
“Many pet owners, despite buying pure-breds, also put them up for adoption when they find the pets ‘troublesome’.
“When their pets need high maintenance, become sickly and have high veterinary bills, some owners just send them to the pound,” she said.
