Council to come down hard on owners ignoring incensing laws
SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is dead serious.
It is going to use the full might of the law against those who continue to disregard the rules and regulations on dog licensing and other related matters.
Chairman Clarence Ting said the council had enough of the lax attitude of dog owners.
“We have to consider the greater good of the public and will take stern action according to the law,” he said.
Therefore, the council will fully enforce the Local Authorities (Dog Licensing & Control) By-Law 2018.
Under the by-law, each household with landed property is allowed to have only three dogs while each household in a flat or apartment can have only one small breed dog.
Those caught violating the law would be compounded RM50 per day. They would also be fined not exceeding RM2,000 for having an unlicensed free-roaming dog.
“Any person who obstructs on-duty council officers will be charged under Section 162 of the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 which provides for a fine of RM1,500 or imprisonment not exceeding six months or both,” he said.
Separately, on the council’s dog catching service, Ting was disappointed that the local press was more interested in the views of the public.
“I was surprised that no reporter called me regarding the front-page news on multiple newspapers about SMC’s dog-catching service. Instead they aired public views on the cruelty of catching stray dogs,” he said.
He said all SMC actions were in response to neighborhood feedback.
“There is no civil way to catch a dog. The municipal ordinance on keeping dogs is clear. Dogs must be with a restraint when outside the house compound.
“Think about public fears when dogs are loose on the street. If you want to keep pets, SMC is all for it, but you must be responsible. Do your part to make it safe for the rest of us,” he said.
He urged residents to spare a thought for SMC dog catchers who are putting their lives on the line every single day.
“When you get emotional upon seeing dog catchers at work, don’t be mad at them. Be angry at their irresponsible owners. Go tell them,” he said.
