Malaysia's growing pet love story
Curious, she approached to find it was a kitten. She thought it was barely a month old, likely separated from its mother.
'He was tiny. I couldn't find anyone who could adopt him, so I decided to,' she recalled.
Parrots are popular pets among Malaysians.
One year has passed, and the cat, now named Didi, has proved to be a great addition to Ilya's household.
'He is so clingy, he sleeps with my sister and me at night,' she said, adding the cat had been vaccinated and was well fed.
Like Ilya and her sister, thousands, if not millions, of Malaysians are choosing to keep pets.
A 2023 survey by Standard Insights, a consumer research platform, said a growing number of households are now pet owners.
Pet owners with canine companions at an event in Bayan Lepas, Penang. — Courtesy photos and filepics
Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 26.4% own multiple pets, and among those who do not have any, 26.2% are interested in owning one, which could indicate a growing trend of pet ownership in the future.
The study further reported that 78% of respondents own cats, followed by dogs (14%) and tropical fish (13%).
Other species such as birds, reptiles and small mammals make up a small percentage. (see graphic)
Although owning a pet can be fulfilling, animal activists warn that it must be ethical and responsible to ensure the well-being of these animals.
Neglect and cruelty
Dr Saravanakumar says chaining and keeping pets in small spaces is an offence. According to reports, the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) received some 7,600 cases of cruelty towards pets between 2021 and mid-2024.
Cases increased from 1,249 in 2021 to 2,622 in 2023 and 2,162 in the first half of 2024.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor were among the states with the highest number of reported incidents.
They mostly involved dogs (5,266) and cats (1,900), though other animals such as horses, rabbits and farm animals had also been victims.
Former DVS senior deputy director Dr Saravanakumar Supramaniam Pillai said that pet ownership was governed by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) 2015 (Act 772).
Section 24 of AWA, he said, outlined duties of owners which included providing adequate food, shelter, healthcare and freedom for animals to express natural behaviours.
'Section 29, meanwhile, addresses offences for cruelty such as abuse, neglect, torture and abandonment,' he said.
Nurul Hidayah says pets are 'quiet healers' that can help improve one's mental health. Dr Saravanakumar said that AWA defined pets as cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, non-protected species of birds and ornamental fish.
'Exotic animals and wildlife, like certain species of birds, reptiles and mammals, fall under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and require a special licence from the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan),' he said.
The senior advisor on farm animal welfare, policy and engagement for Humane Society International said a licence was not needed for owning cats and small pets.
'Dog ownership, meanwhile, requires a licence from the local authority, and owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination and microchipping.
'Local councils also tend to restrict the number of dogs per household to only one or two,' he said, adding that certain breeds were banned for safety reasons.
Cheah says shift in lifestyle contributes towards increased pet ownership. Several prosecutions had taken place due to failure to ensure welfare, according to Dr Saravanakumar.
'Not providing water and food, poor hygiene, lack of veterinary care, chaining and keeping in small spaces as well as abandoning aging or sick pets are common offences.
'Those who witness cruel treatment may submit a report to DVS, local authorities or Perhilitan,' he said.
Under AWA, the owner or licensee who commits an offence is liable to a fine of between RM15,000 and RM75,000 or imprisonment for no more than two years, or both.
Welfare in mind
Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) general manager Kelvin Cheah said a shift in lifestyle, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, contributed to increased pet ownership.
'Cats and small dogs are part of emotional support systems in households, especially in single-person ones and childless families.
'Experience of isolation during Covid-19 lockdowns also motivated many people to adopt pets for emotional support,' he said.
Cheah, however, stressed that owning a pet should not be seen as a trend but a long-term commitment towards ensuring welfare.
'SPCA regularly advocates that animals are not property but sentient beings with physical, social and emotional needs.
'Apart from rescuing animals, SPCA also works with DVS and local councils to investigate incidents of cruelty,' he said.
Those wanting to own a pet are advised to consider adoption first, either from pounds run by the SPCA or local authorities, added Cheah.
'We have over 100 animals at any given time, all of which have undergone veterinary checks, vaccinations, deworming and are neutered.
'There are also other pounds such as those owned by local councils in Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya and Kuala Langat,' he said.
Around 13% of Malaysians own ornamental fish, according to a study.
Cheah urged prospective owners to be prepared emotionally and financially before bringing a pet into their lives.
This include setting aside between RM100 and RM300 a month for food, hygiene supplies, and medical expenses.
'Veterinary bills for emergency medical situations can easily cost between RM500 and RM3,000.
'Owners must also keep in mind that animals also need daily interaction, stimulation and exercise,' he said.
Emotional support
Besides being loyal companions, pets can also help their owners regulate emotions and alleviate stress.
A 2021 study titled 'Attitude towards pets and depression among residents in Klang Valley' commissioned by several local universities, found that individuals who held a positive attitude towards pets were more likely to draw mental health benefits from them, especially those dealing with depression.
Nurul Hidayah Mohd Sa'at, clinical psychologist at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Bertam Medical Centre, said pets were 'quiet healers'.
'Many of my patients say pets help them feel less lonely, which is not surprising.
'Research shows that interacting with animals can reduce stress hormones and increase oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that helps us feel calm and happy,' she said.
Catopia in Shah Alam is among a number of shelters housing rescued cats in Klang Valley. — Filepic
Elaborating, Nurul Hidayah said pets were regularly used in therapy sessions to help people open up emotionally.
'These types of therapy can help one manage anxiety and even improve their social skills.
'I've seen special needs children and adults with trauma finding comfort in animals when words failed them,' she said.
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