Adding bite to animal protection legislation

Photo: Filepic/The Star

TO encourage responsible pet ownership, prioritise adoption, introduce breed-specific taxation, ensure healthy breeding, and mandate alternatives to shooting stray animals, here are some suggested clauses and sections that can be modified or added to the Malaysian Animal Welfare Act 2015.

> Stricter ownership regulations and prioritising adoption: Amend Section 24 (Duties of Owner or Licensee) to include a clause that mandates potential pet owners to explore adoption options as a priority. The clause could read, “No person shall obtain a pet through purchase if a suitable animal is available for adoption from registered animal shelters or rescues”.