On Saturday we are off for an inspection at Port Dickson – what we have termed the case of the disappearing horses. It’s almost like they have an internal body clock. SPCA coming! Hide the horses! Why can't that damn pony fit in the feed bin? Honey get the chain saw will ya?
I do hope this time we do find them as the first time we saw them they looked a little thin and the handlers did promise to start feeding them hay as opposed to only grass as the handler said he did not know that grass had no nutritional value. If anything at least we can have a leisurely lunch at Pork Dickson watching the unpolluted waves lick the pristine beach. Who knows by Saturday afternoon they could be the first residents of the Centre or they could be glue depending on their condition. Or they could be fine. Who knows? We could always go back and glue the owners to their stable doors with that said same glue as a karmic punishment.
So what is next that I need to write down and sort out in my brain? There is Ranch A in Sabah but I think I might leave that sieving for a moment. I feel a little like Dumbledore and his pensive.
Lets start with the situation at a Country Club
Country Club A in KL
We received a report via email about two horses in very sorry condition. The owner agreed to put down one horse and promised to increase the level of care for the other horse. Management promised to keep tabs on how the horse is doing and from time to time report back to the SPCA on this. The latest news (Jan 2008) is that the horse is being fed by the club pending legal action by the club for unpaid bills. Once the judgement is given in April 2008 they will have control of the horse in which case Selangor SPCA will take over the welfare of the horse.
Ranch A
Okay I suppose now its time to move onto that never-ending saga that is Ranch A. It is common knowledge that the horses there are in very distressing condition in stables that are below standard.
We first received a report on 22 June 2007. SPCA immediately contacted the Department of Veterinary Services (" DVS") in Sabah who made a trip to investigate, on June 26th who which subsequent to our report received a report of a horse carcass decaying on the beach.
We underlined that the willful neglect is tantamount to cruelty and urged the DVS to take immediate action to save the horses and charge the owner for cruelty. After the 26th June 2007 inspection carried out by DVS it was reported to the SPCA that one horse had died and four have collapsed. That the situation is dire was confirmed by DVS, Sabah and that the main problem at the Ranch is starvation.
On 26 June DVS Sabah began feeding the horses with hay. SPCA offerred to assist in providing immediate medical attention then but a vet, who visited the Ranch last year, had feedback from the owner that they are not willing to accept any assistance-thereby limiting our info and contact with this case. It certainly looks like the horses are left to die in horrendous and pitiful conditions.
Since the June report was received the Selangor SPCA has actively called for stronger action against the owner via phone calls and media including a letter to the current chief minister for prosecution and seizure so that the animals can be put down and/or rehabilitated. Unfortunately, response to this has been minimal. All public (which includes the Selangor SPCA) is barred from entry to this place, with the DVS promising to check on this place at 3 months intervals. This was a less than satisfactory situation however the plus side is that the DVS is monitoring the situation.
We therefore left the situation alone especially when it was alluded that further meddling could result with Malaysia losing its rights to hold the World Endurance Games which we found a little unfair. One act of cruelty does not amount to an entire nation’s apathy towards animals and whether this threat was a real possibility is not something we know.
On the 18th Jan 2008 we received updated photos from the Ranch and it was awful. The lack of follow up and substantive action by DVS Sabah is abysmal. We have constantly reiterated that Selangor SPCA will support the DVS Sabah with food, vet and medical bills however the horses must no longer be in the owner's control for us to be able to do anything. It makes no sense for the owner to retain control of the horses while we are feeding the horses FOC.
Johore
At least this last report has a nice story. We received a report from Johore SPCA about two horses in near collapse condition. On inspection by the Johore SPCA it was found that there was only one horse. In that situation, Noah’s Arc very kindly took in the horse at no cost to Selangor SPCA and is currently rehabilitating this horse and the horse is happily wondering around Noah's Arc.
Riding School Z in Report Frasers Hill
We received a report early this year about horses in Frasers Hill in bad condition. Apparently their ribs and bones were showing drastically, and their legs were under - weight. We have as yet been unable to verify but a kindly vet has promised to go there himself and take a look.
So although slow we have been moving along and although not as effective as we would like to be we are making baby steps and hopefully this year will prove to be a productive year for the SubComittee.
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