Malaysian Government shows Care
Dear All,
I have some great news to share with everyone today!
A few days ago, I received this joyous news from one of my students Liaison Khong Jean Ai about recent happenings concerning animal abuse laws in Malaysia. I can never bear to see animals so poorly treated by people who are just not caring towards the pain that they cause towards any animal… may it be intentional or unintentional.
I am glad that the government of Malaysia is very supportive against animal abuse and are now looking at implementing stricter laws to reprimand these abusers. May this law be approved as soon as possible to deter these abusers from carrying their act of cruelty. I thank the Government for this. It is so wonderful to know you care and moving toward a more compassionate society.
If anyone has any news on recent developments regarding The Animal Welfare Bill, do share in the comments below!
Tsem Rinpoche
Some information about animal abusers
In animal abuse, there are three categories of abusers:
- Unwitting abusers: They do not realize how they treat the animal is considered cruel. Example, keeping the dog on a short chain for long hours.
- Immature abusers: People that actually intentionally hurt animals but lack the mental and emotional maturity to realize the nature and extent of their harm. Example, a person intentionally scaring a cat away, or throwing a rock to a frog in a pond.
- Serious intentional abusers: These abusers derive satisfaction from hurting animals. Making animals fight for the purpose of money also falls into this category.
A lot of evidence based on psychology states that most animal cruelty cases is all about power or control. The abuser feels powerless and develops a warped sense of self-respect. Eventually they feel strong only by being able to dominate a person or animal.
According to Robert K. Ressler, a profiler of serial killers for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said “Murderers… very often start out by killing and torturing animals as kids”, a connection that was recognized by the FBI since the 1970’s. In Psychology studies, according to a 1997 study done by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Northeastern University, animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people and four times more likely to commit property crimes than are individuals without a history of animal abuse. Many studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology during the past 25 years have demonstrated that violent offenders often have history of animal abuse since childhood.
Take for example, society’s most notorious serial killer, Jeffery Dahmer who murdered 17 men and boys. He was known to have dismembered animals since a young age
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Video interview Jeffery Dahmer by NBC
The Boston Strangler aka Albert Desalvo, who killed 13 women was known to have trapped dogs and cats in orange crates and shoot arrows through the boxes in his youth.
It is well known by professionals that animal abuse is a form of mental abnormality. According to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), although it is not classified as an exclusive mental condition, it is however, one of the criteria in diagnosing conduct disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD).
There is certainly something more to animal abuse than just a ‘phase’.
Youthful violence toward animals is a very serious issue, and it needs to be taken seriously by not only animal advocates like myself, but by those who are concerned about violence in our society.” – Margo DeMello, Ph.D.
New Law to Bite Back at Animal Abusers
Friday, February 22, 2013
by Joseph Sipalan
PUTRAJAYA: A new law that is ready for tabling in Parliament is about to get nasty with animal abusers.
The Animal Welfare Bill proposes that first time offenders be fined between RM20,000 and RM100,000 or sit behind bars for up to three years.
Commit the crime again, and they will not only be fined up to double the amount imposed for their previous offence, but also face at least three months in jail.
The final draft of the Bill which included several amendments suggested by participants in a series of public engagements was also aimed at more extensive and intensive enforcement of the law, said Veterinary Department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin.
“Animals cannot talk, they cannot take to the streets and hold a demonstration. We need to have something punitive to act as a deterrent (against animal abuse).
“The severity of the penalties was proposed by the public, not just by us,” he said.
Now, the penalty for animal abuse is a fine of up to RM50,000, not more than a year’s jail, or both, following last year’s amendments to the Animal Act 1953.
Prior to the amendments, the penalty was a paltry RM200 fine, six months’ jail or both.
How the new regulations are to be enforced is a major aspect of the final draft, with the proposed creation of Malaysia’s own Animal Cops – a team of officers who will keep a close watch on the treatment of animals.
Unlike the department’s existing enforcement officers – who are only mobilised for specific operations – the animal welfare officers would be on the ground at all times to make sure nobody took advantage of hapless animals, Dr Abdul Aziz said.
“Just like welfare officers, they will inspect and monitor their areas to make sure the law is upheld. There will be no need to wait for cases to be reported before we send people over.
“If, for example, they come across a pet that has not been fed for days, they will have the power to investigate the case and take the owner to court … so you had better make sure your pet is taken care of before flying off for your holiday,” he added.
Dr Abdul Aziz hoped the Bill could be debated and passed by Parliament this year for it to be gazetted and enforced in 2014.
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Dear Rinpoche,
Finally the government had did something to protect the animals. Animals are sentient beings which means they can feel emotions, pain and fear as well. It is not right for us to abuse them. With the new law, it can protect the animals abit more and make sure animal abusers to think twice before committing the horrible act.
Humbly,
Chris
It’s indeed a very good news for us, finally the government is doing something and putting things into actions. Animals do not deserve all these, why bring them home when you’re planning on abusing them already? Keeping a pet was never an easy thing to do, so please be prepared before you bring one home.
I hate it when animals are killed for meat, fur and other products. It is just so sad how cruel people can be now. It is sick and horrible of how some lives do not even see daylight then they are killed. Please be vegetarian and save animals, amd i am so sic of animals being abused as well. I am happy malaysia is against that too
Any form of abuse is an abuse, whether it is minor or not. The abuse might scar the animal for life. I don’t understand how people can abuse animals and be nonchalant about it and then go berserk when they learn that humans are being abused. Both the human and animals are living and breathing creatures. Both species feel pain and they bleed just the same. Just because we are slightly more ‘advanced’ in the intelligence part, doesn’t make us anymore superior than the animals.
I am so very happy to know that Malaysian gov. is taking strict measures to prevent animal abuse. As a resident in Malaysia, this comes as a great news because generally, the ruling system doesn’t really put much emphasis on how the animals are being treated.
Now, with the newly implemented law, hopefully the animal abusers would think twice about treating animals cruelly.
Thank you for sharing, Jean Ai.
and thank you Rinpoche for sharing. =)
It’s great news to know it will have rules that would help to prevent animals/pets being abused. Pets and strays are living beings too.
I hope the Government would also support Kechara Animal Sanctuary. Currently they are looking for land and resources to get a shelter for stray dogs and cats around Kechara Forest Retreat. http://retreat.kechara.com/news/helping-hope-and-other-dogs-at-kfr/
It is very good and important to have strict law to prevent more animal abuse, because we should respect every life in this world, whether human or animal deserved the right to live, no one has the power to take away their life.
As a kid, some were born and some was affected by the family, when a family was having problem and was living under pressured or disharmony environment, many chances the kids will be very much affected and some will choose to abuse animal as a release, in the beginning they might just abusing the animal, but later once they get the hook up on it, they will realize abusing them can’t satisfy them anymore, they will start to kill them, and as when they grow, if this situation is not rectified, their mentality will get worse and upgrade to more serious crime. This was mentioned in the documentary I’ve watched many years back.
I’m very glad to see this news and hopefully the law was carried out consistently to make sure animal are well protected by this law.
“The severity of the penalties was proposed by the public,…”
This says alot of how much the Malaysian public really cares for the animals. Previously, a small fine did not deter the animal abusers. Now with this higher and stiffer penalty, we should see a marked decline in the abuse cases.
A BIG thank you to Malaysia’s government for imposing stricter rules to punish the animal abusers. I believe its enough to see such abuse happening all around us. And many of us just dont care and hope that someone else will take care of it. The government should employ more people to be those officers (more job opportunities for people who needs it). Educate people/owners to care for the helpless animals who will never have the chance to speak up for themselves. Especially the younger generation. Lets all be kind to everyone around us.
Great to know that government implement new law to protect animals. No one should abuse or hurt animals, if we cannot help them but at least please don’t hurt them…
Well this is a very good start for Malaysian Animal Right Laws. Although I feel these aren’t as strict as they seem to be stated but I guess we can consider this as a victorious start for Animal Rights. We have witnessed too many animal cruelty acts in the past few years and finally the government has taken notice of the detrimental effects it has on a person and society if they are allowed to commit such acts. I really agree to the psychological effects it produces in a person, getting to chance to be cruel to animals is only a start to which later can be further iterated towards other human beings.
Being cruel to animals does give the person a sense of power and control over another living being only to think they can continue to get away with it, i believe that this evil would only continue to grow in a person until they start to feel that this addiction isnt enough and soon want something more, continuing to commit more evil on other/bigger animals till it may even reach a human being. Animals do not deserve these sort of treatments and such cruel acts shouldn’t be tolerate.
Im really glad this law was made and hope that the public is really aware of the fact that this does exist. Even if it weren’t such cruel acts like physically harming an animal, leaving your pet to suffer without food or water at home whilst you go on a selfish luxurious holiday is just as cruel. I hope this law would create oet owners the awareness to be not selfish and irresponsible and start to take more responsibility for their pets.
Maybe soon Malaysia may even have animal police taking care of animals and going through pet owners who are irresponsible over their pets. Still though the issue of stray dogs are still seen as pest to the government, i hope they would find ways to resort in taking care of the animals in a humane way in rather than killing them, to just spay the animals and control overpopulation. There is no need to kill another living being.
Thank you for sharing this good news Rinpoche. I hope you are well.
In the Buddhist way to real happiness, it is said that:- -Pure happiness is a mind that finds the sufferings of others, even for animals, unbearable. It needs a close karmic circle into a selfless compassion for all living beings. Developing compassion and wisdom, and helping those in need whenever possible, is the true meaning of life!! By training our mind to recognise the spiritual lessons in all our experiences, we can purify them through purification practices and finding more likely solutions to respond constructively. As always said, helping others is not always easy, it often involves considerable hardship and inconvenience – and going against the wishes of our “self-cherishing mind”. However, through gradual training to practise on taking the sufferings of others and giving with a good motivation, this will guarantee to purify our non-virtuous and delusion mind, making it strong and compassionate. Nevertheless, heartfelt thanks to ourMalaysian Government who shows they care, even for the animals.
Its so nice to see the country that i love and live in be nice to animals. Its about time that people started to behave in such a smart way. I am very happy to hear about this news. Animals in Malaysia are getting hurt, and this is sure to help them. Thank you to all the people that are involved in this. I really wish them the best of luck into helping all the animals in need. This is the real 1 Malaysia to me.
this is great news for animals. Malaysians have a notorious reputation for not caring about animals so this would be good for Malaysia and good for the animals. People do need education about how animals are sentient beings – in that they also feel pain like human beings – and should be treated better. Kechara Animal Sanctuary, as envisioned by Tsem Rinpoche, will be taking an active role in raising awareness about animals.
Rinpoche has even inspired several children to start the Animal Befrienders Coalition http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/animals-vegetarianism/animal-befrienders-coalition-abc.html and http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/animals-vegetarianism/abc-fundraising.html to care and raise awareness about cruelty to animals.
Combining this kind of legal protection for animals and strong well-thought out education about animals will greatly improve attitudes to animals which will benefit both people and animals to coexist happily together.
This is wonderful news. It is always good news when society treats animals better. Malaysia I must admit is not the most progressive in terms of the awareness of animals rights. However, it looks like things are about to change and I am sure that the Internet has a part to play with this because from the look with the few examples above, social media and the Internet at large has a part to play with this. That’s just the wonder of the Internet and it is somewhat of a catalyst for social change.
It is interesting that studies have shown that animal abuse in kids often results in them growing up to be adults that commit violent crimes. The video of Jeffery Dahmer is pretty creepy and it is very obvious that there’s something wrong about him and what he fantasizes. I violence of any sort is just a stepping stone to murder and if it can be curbed early, it would make the world a much better place with less anger and violence.
Dear Rinpoche,
WOW!!! This is really some really good news to know…. especially the fact that it will put a decrease to animal abusers in Malaysia.
It really shows that the Malaysian Government is really in to taking a big step up to really put a stop to animal abusers in Malaysia.
It is good to know that after all those year of hardly “doing and good” Laws we now have 2x better punishments for those who break these laws.
Not only was the sentence to weak a few years ago I have also heard that some of the abusers just paid the fines and turned over a new leaf some of them even started to abuse animals again.
It’s true what the Veterinary Department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin said that “Animals cannot talk, they cannot take to the streets and hold a demonstration. We need to have something punitive to act as a deterrent’
I am sure that this will definitively be good news to all the animal rights groups and I hope that if these new laws are not strong enough and people still abuse animals I hope that they will make it even more severe.
Thank You Rinpoche for sharing such great news!
Love
Jutika
It is really good news to hear that our government is taking action against animal abuse.
It is so sad to hear that animals are abused every day for no reason,as i have heard not long ago that a Chinese man boiled a cat alive.
I am so happy that the Malaysian government is doing something for all these little innocent creatures who does not do any harm
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this amazing news.
It is nice to know that Malaysia is finally changing it’s heart towards animal abuse. Malaysian Government has exiled dogs to small islands to kill them off but now they care! I wish this was done earlier. Imagine all the deaths prevented.
My dog, Lester, is a victim of a hawker store owner who poured hot oil on his skin. His fur never fully grew back. So, I hope that animal abuse laws will enforced strictly.
This is really good news. Finally, there is some progress in Malaysia where some animal rights are protected. Hopefully this will curb some animal abuse. Animals are all living beings which have feelings also even though they can’t verbalise them out. They can show affection in their own ways and most of the time stay loyal to their owners.
Let’s hope that this bill will stop humans from abusing their pets.
It is good to know that there are laws to prevent people from hurting animals, but this is not the ultimate solution. In long run we need to educate our people, especially the younger generations to love animal and not hurt them.
This new law is a step forward for our community. However, stray dogs are still classified as pests in our Bill. This means it is legal to shoot down a stray dog. Is there any animal movement lobbying and working on this law to be changed?
Great news! Animal cruelty is something that happens worldwide, but Malaysia was still one of the countries that did not put much effort to curb it… at least until recently.
It is excellent that the fine for carrying out animal cruelty is being implemented.
I find it very disturbing for a human being to abuse animals.
It is the abuse that disturbs me greatly.
I do not say this from a Buddhist platform, I say this from a basic. a basic, ethical platform by which someone, anyone, any being, in POWER over a weaker being uses that power to hurt instead of helping.
Just as a car driver must give priority to a pedestrian, because the pedestrian is weaker against a body of speed and hard metal.
Just as an adult over a child should use his POWER of strength and experience to help a child and not use, for a more accurate word: ABUSE, his power to hurt or exploit a child.
Just as a “superior” in any company should use his power to support, nurture and collaborate and not exploit.
Just as a hotel guest, an employer, a rich person, a politically empowered person should use his POWER to help the weaker one, not abuse the POWER to gain more at the expenses of the social betterment.
Just as a parent should support his children, just as a son should help his parents, his grand-parents.
I see no difference with animals.
When we have the power to help why do we get tempted to abuse it, and why do we abuse it?
Why?
I am happy to hear that animal rights are being recognized. This is the least we should do.
It is not about Buddhism, it is about ethic, it is about being a responsible human being, it is about taking responsibility for a weaker being.
Thank you Rinpoche for this post.
This is nice and wonderful new law for the abusers animal. I’m so glad to know about this news of new law to fight back those people’s likes so cruel treat the animals. This time all the abusers definitely will get the punishment by new law of Malaysian government.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this meaningful post to us.
I’m very glad to know about this, it shows that Malaysians and Malaysian government really do care about the animals. At least the government is doing something for the poor animals, hopefully that the cases of animal abuse will cut down after the law has taken place.
Thank You for sharing Rinpoche.