KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Animal Welfare Enactment 2015 has been used against three cases of animal cruelty since the new statute was passed in the state cabinet two years ago.
The first case involved a plantation supervisor, who was last year sentenced to nine months in jail for hanging a dog to death in Lahad Datu.
Two other cases concerned an individual torturing a dog by feeding it 32 needles and another who shot needles and bamboo arrows at dogs and cats.
State Veterinary Services and Animal Industry Department director Dr Nasip Eli said these two particular cases were, however, still pending.
“We have completed the investigation papers for both cases and we have submitted them to the deputy public prosecutor. It’s just a matter of time before the cases will be brought to court for a charge. It will be soon,” he said at the Sabah Animal Welfare Enactment 2015 Roadshow at Wisma Pertanian, here.
Cruelty towards animals under the enactment is punishable by a maximum fine of RM100,000 or three years’ jail or both upon conviction.
It took the place of the Animal Ordinance 1962, which has since been abolished. Under the ordinance previously, anyone found guilty of cruelty towards animals was only liable to three months’ jail or a fine of RM2,000.
Earlier, during the launch of the roadshow, Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin said the event was timely to inform the people of the newly established enactment.
“Many people are still unaware of this, so we need to give a clear explanation about every chapter that is contained in the enactment. The roadshow is also aimed at notifying the people that there are 15 animal activities which require license.
“The objective is also to get feedback and recommendations with regards to the drafting of a Code of Practice (CoP) for each animal activity and I am made to understand that the CoP draft has been completed,” he said.
Among the animal activities which now require licensing are lodging, riding, showing, breeding, training, rescue and rehabilitation as well as treatment and care.
Yahya stressed that the enactment also covers livestock animals and not just pets such as dogs and cats.
He added that the government under his ministry has engaged with volunteers from the various non-governmental organisations to assist the Veterinary Services and Animal Industry Department in enforcing the enactment.
The department officers and appointed volunteers would be touring the state to create awareness on the existing enactment and animal cruelty to the public.
On the rabies outbreak in Sarawak, Yahya urged enforcement personnel stationed at all entry points to be on high alert to prevent pets being brought into the state without valid permits.