The stricter guidelines for the issuance of dog licences is not racially or religiously motivated, said Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) public relations officer Azfarizal Abdul Rashid.

Instead, he explained, the tightening of the guidelines is due to the high number of complaints received from residents.

"It is not religiously or racially motivated as the statistics from the number of complaints we received from 2002 till July this year shows a somewhat equal proportion of the three major races," he added when met at his office yesterday.

Last year, the council issued 267 notices and 162 compounds to errant dog owners. Out of the total, 57 percent of the complainants were Malays, 36.8 percent Chinese and 5.9 percent Indians.

"The magnitude of these complaints make it difficult for the council to tackle the situation on a case to case basis, therefore this rule - after strong consideration - may prove an effective tool to curb errant dog owners from breaking the law," said Azfarizal.

The first six months in 2004 have also shown on average, similar amounts of complaints with the previous couple of years.

While refusing to release the figures, he however stated that the racial breakdown for this year stood at 48.5 percent Malays, 42.11 percent Chinese and 8.9 percent Indians.

Malay Malaysians, who are Muslims, have certain religious and cultural restrictions in relation to dogs.

"The complaints received does not just reflect the nuisance experienced by just the complainants but the community in general when dogs are brought to the park or when the incessant loud barking can be heard by surrounding homes," he said.

Strong objections

Strong opposition from residents have been levied against the council's planned introduction of a new guideline which requires dog owners to obtain prior written consent from their neighbours.

Commenting on this, Azfarizal said due to the mixed reactions, the council plans to meet with the council-appointed residents committees before enforcing the new guidelines.

The controversial guideline, which was introduced on Jan 1 in addition to existing rules on dog licencing, has been temporarily put on hold pending the meetings which may be held in early Sept with these council appointed committees.

"The members of the committees are appointed by the council based on their services and commitment to the people. They are the leaders in the community from the various areas who have shown signs of representing the residents," he claimed.

On the other hand, residents associations formed by the residents themselves have voiced their disapproval over the new guideline and asserted that it would create a divide amongst neighbours.

Azfarizal brushed this aside when clarifying the role of the committee and associations in the consultation process but acknowledged that the council may be swayed by strong enough quorums.

"...however just because there are residents who say we should not implement it doesn't mean we will adhere to these calls, we will consider them but we can't develop if we listen to people's opinions all the time now can we?" he asked.

Strengthen ties

Explaining the new guideline, he said when a owner wants to apply for or renew a dog licence, consent forms need to be filled up by their current neighbours on the left and right side.

"This will further help in building bonds and friendships amongst them," he added.

In the event a new neighbour moves in, his or her consent must also be obtained before the dog owner submits a licence renewal application.

Asked how the council plans to avoid the guideline from being abused by neighbours, he said they may look at these cases on an as-and-when basis.

"This will also be a good opportunity for neighbours to be nice to each other or make up if there's a feud. It will also ensure protection of rights to both parties," he added.

Licences need to be renewed annually at an increased price of RM15 while complying with other stipulations in the guidelines.