(MY) elephant fighting for life

[Guest guest]

Tuesday July 11, 2006-The Star

 

How competent are our animal minders?

 

I REFER to the sad plight of Mardos, the one-year-old elephant that is

fighting for its life at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Lanchang,

Pahang, " Young jumbo knocking on death's

door<http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/7/8/nation/14774202 & sec=nat\

ion> "

(*The Star*, July 8).

 

I and, I am sure, many others would like to know if the authorities

concerned are serious about how they carry out their duties and

responsibilities in handling and taking care of animals.

 

One would have thought that after the recent death of Mat Chepor, further

precautions would have been taken towards the care and treatment of animals.

 

 

How much longer is such tragic incident going to go on?

 

Reports of wild animals straying into villages only lead to the animals

being shot instead of being captured and rehabilitated elsewhere. As if that

is the only method of solving the problem.

 

I say " enough is enough " ! If all those concerned are not dedicated and

committed to their job, then I strongly suggest that caring foreigners be

employed to take over the running of our animal sanctuaries and shelters.

 

Something must be done to ensure that the rights of animals be protected.

 

It is also shameful to know that the animals in our zoos are often not well

taken care of. Visitors pay high entrance fees only to see sick animals or,

sometimes, empty cages.

 

This has been going on since I was a child and now that my children are in

college, the scenario has not changed.

 

I hope the Department of Wildlife and National Parks will seriously take the

necessary measures to guarantee quality treatment of our animals.

 

 

 

*P.C.,

 

Tapah.*