Two things happened at different times, for different reasons, with different outcomes – the tale of a lorry and a stray dog.
First thing first, BDC Commercial Centre, like many other commercial centres in Kuching has its share of indiscriminate parking which creates inconvenience to other road users.
Lack of parking space is one reason for inconsiderate drivers to justify parking their vehicles ‘here and there’, fear of exercise appears to be the reason for others to park their vehicles nearest to the food court or places of business for their personal convenience, notwithstanding that their improperly parked vehicles are causing inconvenience to others or posing hazards for potential accidents to unwary road users.
A road just opposite PTPL College in BDC has almost been turned into a one-way street when lorries and trucks are regularly parked alongside, despite traffic being allowed to flow in both directions.
This is a regular occurrence and road users are obviously agitated by this lack of civic mindedness.
It was found that these vehicles were parked at the roadside while waiting for servicing at a nearby service centre.
A civic-minded citizen decided that something needed to be done and it took great initiative on his part to persuade the service centre to get his customers to park their vehicles in a proper place without obstructing other road users.
The problem was resolved amicably to the mutual benefit of all parties.
While many chose to be indifferent, it took one person to make a difference – for the greater convenience and benefit of all.
Thank you to this community champion who chose to remain anonymous.
But I will still say that this ‘David’ has won and succeeded in taming Goliath without having to resort to using his slingshot – diplomacy and community spirit has won the day without a shot being fired.
Next, from BDC to Hui Sing Commercial Centre.
I hold the view that most stray dogs in Kuching are well behaved in public places, especially the ‘collared ones’ (neutered and vaccinated).
They seem to understand that they are ‘special’ and generally enjoy the acceptance of the community around them.
Most are well-fed, in good health and mingle well without causing nuisance to anyone.
Some apparently have better toilet manners than others and are distinctly recognised by their good looks and presence.
Of course, like humans, there are the rogue ones among them.
There’s a saying that ‘dog bites man’ is not new but ‘man bites dog’ is news.
But in Hui Sing Commercial Centre Kuching, on Tuesday, a dog bit six people to make it to the headline news.
With the on-going rabies outbreak, this dog paid the ultimate price when it was reportedly beaten to death by an angry crowd – sad, as it was for all involved – the biter and the bitten.
Hopefully those bitten will recover and heal soon without any further complications.
I sincerely hope the authorities and community will continue to be vigilant to prevent a recurrence of such incident.
While smokers are banned to beyond 10 feet of all public eateries, I am still wondering how stray dogs can be reminded to do the same.
Obviously, it is not acceptable for strays to be seen in public eateries despite their willingness to help clean the places of bones and leftovers strewn on the floor.
While some eateries have prominently displayed ‘Pets are not allowed’ notices, strays seem to enjoy autonomy on immigration as they can move from place to place unhindered.
Therein lies the potential problem – when humans and animals meet, it can create encounters of the wrong kind when someone may accidentally step on another’s tail or toe – or for other unfortunate reasons.
Same for roads – when different vehicles and different drivers come together, accidents do happen.
But do dogs bite by accident?
I believe most dogs are ‘not aggressive unless provoked’, except those ‘mental ones’.
But what constitutes ‘provocation’?
Dogs, unlike humans come with ‘different facial expressions’.
Some are friendly even with a ‘bulldog face’ and not everyone is trained to read animal facial expressions and therein lies the problem too.
Of course, the one which bites will put the one which cannot bite on defensive mode to protect himself, instinctively.
All said, we are in this together.
When something threatens the community, we are automatically involved as it threatens each and every one of us in the same community – be it crime, indiscriminate parking, safety hazards or rabid animals.
It’s a ‘local government within a Local Government’ in every community, directly or indirectly.
We can make a positive difference by choosing not to be indifferent, in different roles, however small.
Regards and have a blessed weekend.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
