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Legal group Counsel of Claws (CoC) has teamed up with #ExecuteAWA, a national movement fighting against animal cruelty and encouraging Malaysians to report abuse
This comes after a shocking case where a monkey was spray-painted twice while trapped in a cage in Sungai Buloh.
Public outrage grew after it was reported that the 62-year-old man involved in the case was released on police bail on the same day he was arrested, 24 May.
Dr Fadzilah A'ini, a respected vet in Sungai Buloh who reported the case to the police, explained why she took action.
"Animals don't understand that they are being a menace to the environment. So, as higher beings with greater mental capacities, we have to do them right by ensuring the symbiosis of their environment is fairly and correctly tackled for their wellbeing.
"We must also do due diligence to not only control their population through neutering and contraceptives, but by also doing routine health checks on our wildlife as a form of disease control. The act of spraying the monkey had nothing to do with any of these considerations.
"Although some may disagree with my stance for fear of attracting negative attention to my neighbourhood and to my wellbeing, I am here today in the spirit of #ExcuteAWA's national mission to profess that we cannot simply take matters into our own hands and act so maliciously towards animals without any care for consequences to the animal's life," she said.
Image via #ExecuteAWA (Provided to SAYS)
The case is currently being investigated by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) under Section 86 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010
"CoC was founded on the very basis to needfully defend the voiceless — animals who suffer in silence. Sadly, it has come to our attention that even humans often suffer the same restrictions. Exemplary citizens are bullied and harassed by their own neighbours for showing care and compassion to the animals and strays in their communities. This must end.
"With #ExecuteAWA driving a people-powered movement for greater community support in animal welfare matters, CoC stands united as Malaysia's largest coalition of legal practitioners and we're ready to provide pro bono support and deserving legal action against anyone who enables, commits, or justifies animal cruelty," said Choo Dee Wei, CoC activationist.
Earlier this month, on 20 May, CoC also helped an animal rights group in Johor obtain an interim court order stopping the Kluang municipal council from killing stray dogs in breach of standard procedures. The case is pending a decision from the Johor Bahru High Court.
If found guilty, the offender, who was caught committing the act in a one-minute video, could face a fine between RM5,000 and RM50,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
"Alone, we cannot fight when we are suppressed and stifled by bullies who keep us from doing the right thing," said Sue Ann Kong, founder of #ExecuteAWA
"But when a nation comes together with strategy and sincerity to exercise personal responsibility to protect our animals, we are suddenly that much greater in volume and impact.
"Such clear purpose and action to elevate the standards of animal rights in Malaysia without judgement or discrimination is exactly what #ExecuteAWA intends to advocate. We are set on empowering a positive ecosystem through meaningful engagements that welcome stakeholders to contribute to animal welfare in any capacity.
"Giving credence to the integrity and courage demonstrated by Dr Fadzilah which has left us all in awe, #ExecuteAWA is Malaysia's equal reminder that no one should fear stepping forward and speaking out against animal abuse because there is now a sense of community at a national level in Malaysia that supports all and anyone who similarly demands justice and accountability for greater care and protection of animals from all relevant parties," she shared.
Watch a video of #ExecuteAWA's recent rally at Dataran Merdeka:
For more information on #ExecuteAWA, visit their website
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Image via SAYS
