A movement has been formed to object the noise posed by dogs and its pro-tem committee chairperson argued it is not part of the Chinese culture to rear such pets.

"If it's part of the culture, then why has China banned the rearing of dogs in Beijing? While dogs reared in Shanghai are required to undergo an operation to their voice boxes?" its chairperson, identified only as Low, told Bernama today

Low heads the unregistered Peninsular Malaysian Movement to Object the Disturbance of Neighbours' Dogs ( Gerakan Membantah Gangguan Anjing Jiran Semenanjung Malaysia )

Citing another example, he said in Singapore, those who have dogs that pose a disturbance to neighbours, can be fined up to SD2,500.

According to Low, rearing dogs is nothing more than an individual's personal choice.

In view of this, he urged all local councils to strictly enforce the regulations concerning dog ownership in order to prevent the animal from becoming a nuisance as well as to strengthen ties between the various ethnic groups.

Low felt that dogs are a nuisance because of their constant barking and the problem is worse during the mating season.

This, he said, disturbed neighbours, especially their children who are trying to study or do their homework.

As for the animal being a threat, Low said that apart from attacking, injuring and even at times, killing people, dogs also spread dangerous diseases.

A genius prophet

In this context, he saluted Prophet Muhammad for forbidding Muslims from touching or rearing dogs without valid reasons, as dogs have ticks that carry a potent virus.

He said the prophet's concern was proven by several cases, including the recent one in Xinjiang, China, where two children with a pet dog suffered from spinal problems and became paralysed.

"When they were taken to the hospital, the doctor discovered a type of worm ( Dipylidium Caninum ), whose virus is spread through the ticks," he added.

Meanwhile in Canton, he said several babies became epileptic after being exposed to the constant sound of barking while still in the womb.

"Actually, Prophet Muhammad was smarter than many contemporary scientists, including Einstein, since he knew the dangers that come from rearing dogs some 1,500 years ago," he added.

In view of this, Low said dog rearing must be regulated and called on local councils to emulate the Shah Alam City Council ruling that those wanting to keep dogs must obtain the consent of their neighbours.

He added that such laws and regulations are not new and many other countries also have them.

Low said his movement does not want to prevent people from keeping dogs but wants to impress upon the owners to respect and be sensitive to their neighbours.

Higher fees

On the same note, he said the price for permits to rear dogs should also be increased to ensure that owners can afford to take care of the dogs.

He also wants the dogs to be placed in sound-proof kennels, not be allowed to roam in the compound, be fitted with muzzles and prevented from defecating in public places.

"Why should we be at war with our neighbours over a dog. Why should the rights of animals be given greater prominence than the rights of humans?" he asked

Low said the movement's campaign has angered certain quarters and he himself had received death threats from anonymous individuals.