(MY) deadly dog house

[Guest guest]

Deadly 'dog house' - July 2, 07

By SUSHMA VEERA and MOHD YAAKOB YUSOF

 

 

 

KUALA LUMPUR: It's a 'dog house' with a difference and a deadly one

for canines if suspicions are found to be true.

 

In February, the Federal Territory Veterinary Services Department

visited a doublestorey house in Puchong Saujana, Selangor, after being

alerted by an animal protection group that its occupants — foreign

construction workers — were allegedly butchering puppies.

 

A resident had earlier complained about hearing dogs yelping before

becoming silent. It would be followed by the sound of the cutting of

meat and bones from the back of the kitchen.

 

The resident claimed to have seen blood in the drain the next day.

 

The department's enforcement head, Zainuddin Isma Yatim, told Weekend

Mail that they had visited the house twice that month.

 

He said that they responded to the call as their Selangor counterparts

were preoccupied with other tasks.

 

" It was during our second trip that the team found dog bones and

teeth. We couldn't enter the house as no one responded to our calls

although an offi cer spotted movement in the house. " He said they took

photographs of the bones.

 

" It's not against Malaysian law to eat dogs or cats. We have to look

more into the way the animals were killed.

 

We will check if there was cruelty involved. " He said the department

will keep an eye on the house after being told by Weekend Mail that

the resident had claimed that the mysterious 'goings-on' are

continuing.

 

" We are also monitoring other places in Kuala Lumpur which we suspect

are dealing in the sale of puppies for human consumption; even among

locals. " The issue was even raised by Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir

Abdul Samad in February who called on those involved in bringing in

and monitoring foreign workers to bar them from eating cats and dogs

when commenting on the disappearance of many pets in Taman Kota Masai

and Taman Seri Bahagia. Pet owners had claimed that foreigners may be

responsible.

 

In the case of Puchong Saujana, the distress call was answered by

Sherrina Krishnan of the Independent Pet Rescues.

 

" We called SPCA and the Veterinary Department. " Weekend Mail contacted

the complainant who claimed that the butchering occurred late at night

at least once a month.

 

" I would hear the puppy yelping and it would suddenly stop. This would

be followed by the sound of butchering from the back of the kitchen.

 

" It's impossible to see what's happening inside as the windows are

covered with aluminium foil. The next day, I would fi nd blood

streaming in the drain. " The resident said the house is occupied by

about 10 foreigners who have been living there since late last year.

They work at a nearby construction site.

 

" I heard the sound on Thursday last week. I also noticed a foul smell

coming from a dustbin as I walked past the house and saw some liquid

inside the bin. " When contacted on Thursday, Shahrir suggested that

the Immigration Department help the Veterinary Department 'educate'

foreign workers about the local culture and sensitivities when it

comes to pets.

 

Under Section 44 of the Animals Act 1953, offenders can be fi ned a

maximum of RM200 or jailed for six months or both, if found guilty of

cruelty to animals.