PETALING JAYA: Concerned over the recent rise in the mistreatment of stray animals, a group of nearly 100 lawyers nationwide have banded together to form a coalition to protect and uphold the rights of animals.
Formed just weeks ago, Counsel of Claws is the largest coalition of legal practitioners ever formed to defend animals, with 83 of them signing up to provide their services on a voluntary basis.
The group’s founder Choo Dee Wei told The Star that apart from protecting the rights of animals, the group will also defend those involved in their rescue and feeding.
He said the group, which started with just five lawyers, grew over the weeks in tandem with news about the mistreatment of animals, especially dogs and cats.
“We are angry and disgusted by the manner in which animals and animal rescuers were treated. We could no longer stand and watch these abuses taking place.
“When we put the word out, never did we expect to see such overwhelming support from our fellow lawyers,” Choo said.
“We are truly touched and grateful to all those who have come forward to volunteer their services while managing their own daily work routine.
“The objective of our group is also to provide legal assistance to those involved in animal rights activism and rescue, including feeders, rescuers and activists. They only need to reach out to us and we will appoint a lawyer to handle their case.
“We also throw our support behind the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) in abuse cases they take up in court,” Choo said, adding that the group will be independent and not affiliated with any non-governmental organisation.
He said Counsel of Claws is also prepared to assist authorities in discussions on amending or enhancing existing laws on animal rights.
Choo added that the group will also initiate lawsuits against local councils that are found to have abused animals under their care, or during operations to round up strays.
“They are abused because they are voiceless and defenceless. They whine and cry, but nobody seems to be listening. It is disgusting.
“From here on, we will take up cases where abuse is involved, including local councils.
“We will also provide legal assistance for cases of bullying against those who protect and defend animals,” he said.
Rajesh Nagarajan, who formed the first coalition of lawyers here to defend animals in 2019, is excited about the latest development.
With a dozen lawyers making up Lawyers for Animal Rights, the group’s founder said authorities should work together with relevant parties to resolve problems.
“The biggest perpetrators of animal cruelty are the local councils. The way they catch dogs is brutal and horrific. I also learnt through many reports that many of these dogs are bludgeoned to death.
“The police and DVS should be taking action against these local council workers.
“However, we have a perverse system where the abusers get off scot-free while the saviours of these abused animals are prosecuted,” said Rajesh, adding that taking animal abuse cases to court is an ideal way to raise awareness on animal rights.
“When I first did it (taking animal abuse cases to court), everyone thought I was crazy.
“However, it has become acceptable now and people are finally realising that animals cannot be abused.
“That is the end goal of Lawyers for Animal Rights,” he told The Star.
Last week, several cats and a dog were found dead at the Universiti Malaya campus, leading to speculation that an animal killer was on the loose as some cats were found with their limbs dismembered.
In another case in Perak, a dog that was believed to have encroached into a plantation was fatally shot with an arrow by a worker.
