It was an afternoon filled with compassion and support as about 70 animal lovers gathered at the SPCA compound to protest current animal protection law recently.
Shoba Mano, founding member of the Remembering Sheena Campaign, initiated a signature drive to urge the Prime Minister's Department to impose heavier penalties on animal abusers.
“The maximum custodial sentence the courts had meted out was only three days, and this is an insult to the tremendous suffering inflicted upon abused animals,” said Shoba.
She said the campaign committee had earlier written to the Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Malaysia, highlighting the issue of light sentences passed by the courts. The Chief Justice had advised the committee to file an appeal on the issue.
Selangor and Federal Territory SPCA animal inspector, Sabrina Yeap, said she was pleased that the campaign had created awareness among the public, who were willing to aid in the signature drive.
Among some dedicated groups who reached out to help was the Ananda Marga Yoga group. The group managed to collect 124 signatures.
“It is part of our duty to help all beings around us,” said Didi Shubhrajyoti, a member of the group.
To date, the drive has managed to collect about 40,000 signatures and SPCA is aiming for 60,000 more.
At the rally, celebrities were also present to show their support for SPCA's cause. Among them were Miss Malaysia/World 2004 Gloria Ting, Ida Mariana from REDfm and Adam Carruthers from 8TV.
There was also a dog training demonstration by the Malaysian Kernel Association team to show the public that animals can be trained to be obedient and caring.
Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/1/23/central/13187492&sec=central
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