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SPCA issues press release on KK cruelty case
Thursday, July 12th, 2007
The SPCA has issued a press release regarding the alleged cruelty case in Kota Kinabalu:
On 22 June 2007, Selangor SPCA (“SPCA”) received a report from a tourist in Sabah who was disgusted with the situation at Melingsung Ranch (the “Ranch”) in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The report cited the “dreadful” condition of the horses and noted that the:
“Horses [were] held in barbed wire protected stalls to prevent escape. Dead horses lie for days before being dumped on a nearby PUBLIC beach – not even buried – simply left to rot with all the disease and health risks this incurs.”
Apart from the SPCA the tourist made similar complaints to the local turf clubs, tourism office and a local vet. He was informed that there was sorry little they could do as the horses in dreadful condition belonged to the ex mayor of Sabah.
SPCA on receipt of this report made some inquires whereupon it turned out that not only was the owner the ex mayor of Sabah but was also ironically head of the Equestrian Association of Sabah. SPCA immediately contacted the Department of Veterinary Services (“DVS”) in Sabah who made a trip to investigate, on June 26th primarily because there was another complaint by another tourist of a horse carcass decaying on the beach.
Between 22 June when the report to DVS Sabah was made and 26 June when an inspection was carried out it was reported to the SPCA that one horse had died and four have collapsed. SPCA does not know if these four horses have subsequently succumbed to starvation and died also, and if there are more who have died in the interim. That the situation is dire is confirmed by DVS, Sabah and that the main problem at the Ranch is starvation. On 26 June DVS Sabah began feeding the horses with hay.
Since then SPCA have been in constant conversation with the DVS, Sabah, to explore how best to end the needless suffering of those horses whether through rescue of those that can be saved or the humane destruction of those that cannot be saved.
Selangor SPCA has received many kind and generous pledges of help, support and aid:
World Society for the Protection of Animals to bring in a vet from Bali.
A vet from Hong Kong has written to offer help and advice on how to salvage the horses.
Another DVS vet from another part of Sabah, has offered to drive to Kota Kinabalu to assist.
Vets from Kuala Lumpur have stated their willingness to fly to Sabah to help the horses.
SPCA has found two stables nearby the Ranch willing to home some of the horses whilst they are fed and brought back to a state where they are able to stand, and perhaps be brought carefully back to health.
SPCA has located a food supply in Kota Kinabalu for these horses.
Instead DVS Sabah, has decided to feed these horses whilst still on the property of the owner and under the owner’s care and control. No seizure order has been issued. No recommendation for prosecution under the Animal Act has been mentioned.
This sets a precedent that the law is worthless if, having committed these offences the person responsible is rewarded with free food to improve the animals’ condition and also gets to profit by the sale of such. This also brings to light a rather grey area of the appropriate use of public funds.
The SPCA holds that its charter is not to assist further cruelty to animals by feeding animals of owners who starve them, and who still retain ownership. Nor do we recommend or assist in the use of public funds, to feed or otherwise financially augment the coffers’ of owners’ animals, who refuse to provide those animals under their confinement, the basic necessities of life: food and water.
SPCA wants to assist in anyway possible so long as the horses do not remain under the owner’s control as it is perpetuates a vicious circle for SPCA or for that matter DVS to fund food when the horses will be sold by the owner for the owner's profit to speculatively enable him to purchase new horses and the cycle begins again. DVS Sabah must end this cycle now.
The continued state of these poor horses is a blight on the nation and our internationally perceived humanity. There is universal outrage at these horses’ suffering and deaths, (please note this web thread at www.equestrian.com.my under Forum and Endurance) and equally at the lack of any positive action by the DVS, Sabah, to ease their plight on a permanent basis
SPCA hopes that the DVS will prosecute the owner and seize control over the horses. DVS Sabah has the full and complete support of SPCA when such action is carried whether monetary, veterinary care or food supply. DVS’ primarily duty is to protect animals. The veterinary authorities are given specific powers to ensure that the welfare of animals is protected.
As Parames K said in her paper “Animals Legislation in Malaysia – an Overview – “DVS authorities have the power to stop and inspect any animals for signs of cruelty. They also have powers of arrest without warrant. These powers are equivalent to the powers given to any police officers under the Criminal Procedure Code. These are extensive powers given to the Veterinary Authorities by Parliament to prevent cruelty to animals. In fact, our Animals Act 1953 has ensured that the animals are protected. There are also provisions for enforcement if there is proof of cruelty to animals. It is imperative that the DVS becomes the fulcrum that ensures animal protection in Malaysia with the assistance of the various NGO’S and animal lovers. The power is given to DVS by Parliament. The execution of these powers is up to the DVS.”
This case in Sabah once again highlights the pressing need to increase the penalty if found guilty under the Animal Act. The Animal Act states that a person is guilty of any of the aforesaid offence of cruelty, he shall be liable to a fine of RM200.00 or an imprisonment for a term of six (6) months or to both. A fine of RM 200 whilst princely in the 1950s is paltry by today’s standards and is not a deterrent.
SPCA has also undertaken a donation drive for those horses that can be saved after seizure. If you are interested to help please mail a cheque to Selangor SPCA at Jalan Kerja Ayer Lama, 68000, Ampang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Equine Fund must be written at the back of the cheque so that it can be properly channelled. For more information please call 03 42565312 / 03 42535179. Those whom we have contacted to remedy this terrible situation, and whom you may also:
Dr. Amat, DVS, Sabah 019-880-1240, amat.kasim@sabah.gov.my, with whom we have been in contact and who appears to be in charge of this case
Datuk Hj. Awang Sahak Haji Pg Salleh, DG DVS Sabah,: contacted June 25th onwards by email, 088-287-401, pengarah.hwan@sabah.gov.my
Dato Dr Aziz Jamaluddin, Jabatan Perhidmatan Haiwan – DG Department Of Veterinary Services, Wisma Tani, Podium Block, Lot 4G1, Precinct 4, 62630 Putrajaya, Tel: 03 8870 2000, is being made aware now of the situation.
Secretary General, Ministry of Tourism, Dato’ Dr. Victor Wee, 2693-2399, photos and complaint forwarded
The vet assigned to this case by Dr. Ahmat, is Dr. Normah, DVS Sabah, 019-881-4124 normah.yuspo@sabah.gov.my
Those who also pleaded on behalf of these helpless horses:
Dr. Lim, SPCA vet, suflvet@gmail.com, who pleaded by email, with the DVS Sabah to have compassion for the horses and do something. Dr. Lim has been featured as a Tsunami vet.
3 DVS vets, from Sabah and Selangor
WSPA watchdog, peacockdawn@gmail.com has sent WSPA letter to DVS, Sabah
A vet from Hong Kong
A vet from Bali
Special Thanks to:
Chris Jones, WSPA, my-kingdom-for-a-horse@hotmail.com British tourist-photographer, who sent us the pictures and complaint
PETA, which alerted the WSPA
and to:
Peter Abishiganaden, proprietor of the web site www.equestrian.com.my, who took the lead feature on this disgrace, before any other news source.
