Responsible Pet Ownership

Today, pets are accepted as an integral part of most societies. Pets play a big role in our hectic lives and they should be loved and cherished. People from all walks of life have started to allow animals into their homes and our four-legged friends can boast of glamourous and sometimes even unusual names given to them by their proud 'parents' (owners).

Once inside the confines of the home, special care must be exercised to regulate the pet's behaviour. Owners must ensure that their dogs do not bark incessantly, chase or attack other pets or people in the neighbourhood and become a public nuisance. The irresponsible behaviour of some owners who have allowed their pets to breed indiscriminately and make excessive noise has led to various laws and legislation being passed by town and city councils.

The detailed legislation outlines the relationship between society and pets and touches on various aspects of pet ownership such as persistent barking, roaming and number of animals per household. Widespread control in urban areas has made it mandatory for dogs to be registered and licensed.

Responsibilities of a Pet Owner
Responsible pet owners should get to know their pets better, ensure they are healthy all through their lives, understand their behavioural problems, teach them obedience and adopt preventive measures for their pets. When all these factors are diligently practiced, pets can be easily raised to become pleasant companions to owners and well-behaved social animals in public.

A pet owner's responsibility includes:
Confining pets within the parameter of the house and preventing them from wandering beyond it.

Providing suitable space for pets in order to eliminate unwanted behaviour associated with boredom, such as excessive barking.

Attending to the pet's health. Maintaining the animal on a preventive health course rather than seeking a veterinarian's help only when it is sick.

Spending enough time with pets - exercising, training, feeding and grooming according to the needs of the specific species.

Complying with relevant by-laws such as removal of fecal deposits in public areas and complying with licensing requirements. 'Pooper scoopersî must be used when taking pets out to defecate in public places. These responsibilities are collectively known as an owner's social responsibility and commitment to his or her pet.

Owners can also learn more about their pets and animals by obtaining information from veterinarians, animal welfare organisations, The Malaysian National Animal Welfare Foundation (MNAWF), local councils, animal behaviourists and interested groups and individuals. Interest groups include Obedience Training Centres, Kennel/Cat Clubs and Puppy Parties which promote socialisation between pets and owners. There are also media outlets via television offering programmes like 'Discovery', 'National Geographic', Wildlife', Animal Planet and various publications, all providing more insight into the world of animals. Animal behaviourists provide suggestions on breeds of dogs and cats that are suitable for prospective pet owners, their lifestyles and expectations through the 'select a pet', programme.

These sources of information also educate the young about animals, their behaviour patterns and personality traits. In this way, young children will not be afraid of cats and dogs, but instead will learn to treat them with respect and care, as well as view them as natural inhabitants of the environment and co-exist with them.