Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals

News of cruelty against animals hit the newspapers just after Hari Raya, early September. There is no need to repeat on what was reported. Actually it is about a private boarding home or "hotel" for cats where cat owners can leave them under the care of the operator for a fee. In this case the operator was negligent and about 200 cats were starved and some died. It was the statement by the DG of Veterinary Services Department that the Animal Welfare Act would be introduced that drew my attention and prompted me to narrate an incident written by S. Durai Raja Singam in his book "Malayan Tit Bits" : .......
Many years ago the magistrate at Pait Buntar was trying a case of ill-treatment of a bullock which had a sore neck
After the police sergeant had given his evidence, there was no defence from the bullock owner. But the case did not end there.
The police sergeant was called back into the box, and instead of a compliment for the arrest the following dialogue took place;
Magistrate: You arrested this man at Selama. Now, how far is Selama from Parit Buntar?
Sergeant : Twenty-two miles
Magistrate: And how did you come here?
Sergeant : By bullock cart.
Magistrate: Using the same bullock?
Sergeant : Yes
Magistrate: Well, you too are fined $5 for ill treating a bullock.
The court broke into laughter. It was a case of biter bit.

You see, in the early 1900s there was already a law on Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Mind you on working animals! Wonder what has happened to the "hotel operator"!!!!!