Your report Rearing dogs not part of Chinese culture by the person identified only as 'Low' is not just such a laugh but it is logic truly gone to the dogs (no pardon asked for the pun that is intended).

The only contentions that I can agree with is that dogs bark and the possibilities of being bitten by one when not on a leash. But all these reflect not on 'bad' dogs but rather on bad owners who are irresponsible about pet ownership.

To portray dogs in only such a doggone negative light is most unfair to say the least. Think about canines who help disabled people achieve a higher quality of life, dogs that rescue survivors from the sea and land rubble, dogs that detect drugs and even those that protect women, little babies and families from danger and harm.

Even our police force regularly advices homeowners who can keep dogs to have them around to prevent crime in their neighbourhoods. In short, it would be truly a dog's life for everyone if there were no dogs around.

The constant barking of dogs during their mating season problems can be easily resolved by owners neutering their pets. Dogs which are chained and howl at night can be kept quiet by keeping them indoors with the family with tender love and care.

As for the examples Low gave about diseases being borne by dogs, I'm afraid they will first have to be verified by veterinarians. I really wouldn't be surprised if he has concocted the whole thing. These examples simply can't be verified.

Low is obviously unaware of seizure alert dogs which help disabled people to detect epileptic attacks when they occur. Far from spreading diseases, dogs also play a role in maintaining public health.

On Muslims not being able to keep or touch dogs, perhaps a well-studied Islamic scholar can enlighten readers on this.

But kindly allow me to enlighten Low on the words of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) who saw a prostitute giving water to a poor starving dog and said that the woman would go to Heaven for a deed.

And does not Low know of the many Muslim veterinary surgeons who annually graduate from UPM? What about the many Malaysian dog trainers who are Muslims as well as dog owners who are also devout Muslims?

What about the wonderful dogs in Afghanistan who work daily with their Muslim dog handlers and risk their canine lives to help clear their country of land mines?

Regarding our local councils regulations, Low seems to not have the proper facts with him. As far as I understand it, a number of local municipalities in Selangor, including the Shah Alam City Council, will be coming out with a universal regulation soon on the latest decision on dogs under their jurisdiction.

In it, it is expected that Rottweilers (along with other large breed dogs) will not be banned as previously said but will have to be trained in basic obedience courses before their annual licences can be obtained.

The suggestion of dog owners getting permission from the neighbours has been scrapped. The focus of the authorities concerned will be on responsible ownership via education programmes for all dog owners.

Dog lovers are all keeping their fingers crossed for this.

As for Low, he or she is really trying to be a dog in a manger with this dogged dogfight against dog lovers, which I think will cause more enmity among Malaysians than unity.