10 Frequently Asked Questions.

1)   What is animal neglect?

Ø Animal neglect occurs when a person has custody or ownership or both of an animal and fails to provide adequate care or adequate control which results in substantial harm to the animal.

2)    What is animal abuse?

Ø Animal abuse encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. A person is guilty of animal abuse when a person:

(1) Intentionally or purposely kills an animal in any manner not allowed

(2) Purposely or intentionally causes injury or suffering to an animal

(3) Having ownership or custody of an animal knowingly fails to provide adequate care or adequate control.

Ø Intentional abuse is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal.

3)    Is there any evidence of a link between animal abuse and human violence?

Ø Yes. Animal abuse may be an early or the only indication that an individual is developing a pattern of seeking power and control by inflicting suffering on others. In homes where there is domestic violence and animals are present, the animal(s) may be harmed or threatened in order to control the victim.

4)    Are other violent behaviors associated with animal cruelty?

Ø Studies have identified connections between animal abuse and many different forms of family and societal violence. Pets are often the first victims of family or neighborhood disputes that escalate into violent and even fatal encounters between people

5)    Is animal abuse a crime?

Ø Yes. In Malaysia, Cruelty to animals is punishable under Section 73 (Part 2) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. Where the defendant has previously pled guilty to or has been found guilty of animal abuse or the animal’s suffering resulted from torture or mutilation, or both.

6)    My neighbour has about 30 dogs at their house. Can they have that many animals?

Ø While some municipalities do have regulations on how many animals a person can own, there is no state law that governs number of animals. The owner must provide adequate care of all of the animals in his care or custody. If the owner is breeding and selling the animals, they may need to be licensed by the

7)    I have heard about Puppy mills. What is Puppy mills and is it against the law?

Ø A “puppy mill” is a generic name for a business that mass-produces puppies for sale. Over the last several years, it has come to represent a substandard commercial breeding facility. The substandard facility may be overcrowded, the animals underfed, asocial and in need of basic grooming and medical care. You may find anywhere from 20 to 1500 animals at one of these substandard facilities. However, commercial breeding facilities are legal provided they meet the standard of care required by law.

8)    Why is it a concern?

Ø All animal cruelty is a concern because it is wrong to inflict suffering on any living creature. Intentional cruelty is a particular concern because it is a sign of psychological distress and often indicates that an individual either has already experienced violence or may be predisposed to committing acts of violence.

9)    Why would anyone be cruel to animals?

Ø There can be many reasons. Animal cruelty, like any other form of violence, is often committed by a person who feels powerless, unnoticed, and under the control of others. The motive may be to shock, threaten, intimidate, or offend others or to demonstrate rejection of society's rules. Some who are cruel to animals copy things they have seen or that have been done to them. Others see harming an animal as a safe way to get revenge on someone who cares about that animal.

10) Can reports be made anonymously?
Ø Yes, you can make a complaint anonymously. In some cases, successful prosecutions often depend on an identifiable witness who can authenticate evidence.