Dewan Rakyat passes Animal Welfare Bill

Dewan Rakyat yesterday passed the Animal Welfare Bill, which promotes animal welfare and responsible ownership of animal, hence marking another milestone for Malaysia.

Once the law is put into effect, Malaysia will be at par with member countries of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) which have specific laws related to animal welfare, such as India, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob when winding up the debate on the bill said the law would definitely raise public awareness on the importance of taking care of animal welfare.

He said it was also hoped that with the increased awareness, the public would be willing to come forward in lodging reports with solid evidence or being the prosecution's witnesses in court.

"Prosecution can only be done for cases which have solid evidence that is beyond reasonable doubt to convict the offenders," he said.

Ismail Sabri said so far, a total of 160 enforcement officers and 2,500 technical employees from the Veterinary Services Department in the peninsula and Labuan had been identified to be appointed as Animal Welfare Officer.

He said special trainings regarding animal welfare would also be given to those officers.

The bill, which was tabled for first reading on April 9, allows the establishment of the Animal Welfare Board, which among others, will monitor the work of associations and organisations established for the purpose of preventing trauma, pain or suffering to the animals.

It also proposes a minimum fine of RM20,000 and a maximum of RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, for those who are convicted under the law for the first time, including for animal abuse, killing by shooting without reasonable cause, giving pesticides and involvement in animal fighting venture.