Authorities in Malaysia are currently working on a new law to raise the value of animal welfare to be on par with other developed nations. Currently, the penalty for cruelty to animals in Malaysia is a maximum fine of just RM200, which has been deemed grossly inadequate by animal rights supporters.
According to Malaysian Insider, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries has decided to crowdsource for suggestions by asking the Malaysian public for feedback on for a newly drafted Animal Welfare Bill 2012.
Among the stiffer penalties for cruelty being proposed is a fine of up to RM100,000 and up to three years' imprisonment. The draft calls for those who torture animals to face a fine of between RM20,000 to RM100,000 or be jailed for up to three years, or both.
Three proposals made by the public during the first round of public display had been included in the second draft, which is currently available at the ministry's website. The public has until Aug 31st to provide further feedback.
The ministry will later put forward the recommendations to the Malaysian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee before being sent to the cabinet and the Attorney-General's Chambers for final approval. The bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament early next year.
A text messaging system will also be in place for the public to lodge complaints regarding animal abuse. Complaints may be made by typing “DVS HQAduan” [the complaint] and sending it to 15888.
The news comes less than a month after the most recent animal abuse case involving two foreign students throwing a puppy down a manhole in Putrajaya.
According to Malaysian Insider, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries has decided to crowdsource for suggestions by asking the Malaysian public for feedback on for a newly drafted Animal Welfare Bill 2012.
Among the stiffer penalties for cruelty being proposed is a fine of up to RM100,000 and up to three years' imprisonment. The draft calls for those who torture animals to face a fine of between RM20,000 to RM100,000 or be jailed for up to three years, or both.
Three proposals made by the public during the first round of public display had been included in the second draft, which is currently available at the ministry's website. The public has until Aug 31st to provide further feedback.
The ministry will later put forward the recommendations to the Malaysian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee before being sent to the cabinet and the Attorney-General's Chambers for final approval. The bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament early next year.
A text messaging system will also be in place for the public to lodge complaints regarding animal abuse. Complaints may be made by typing “DVS HQAduan” [the complaint] and sending it to 15888.
The news comes less than a month after the most recent animal abuse case involving two foreign students throwing a puppy down a manhole in Putrajaya.
