CANINE-OWNERS around the State Capital could wind up RM5,000 poorer if they fail to comply with City Hall’s guidelines pertaining to the manner in which their pets are reared.
A spokeswoman for the agency’s Environmental Health Department said this was the maximum fine which could be imposed, under its Registration and Control of Dogs By-Laws 1963 (Amendment 2008).
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“A compound of up to RM500 will initially be issued to dog-owners who are found to have contravened the conditions set out in By-laws,” she said.
“Legal action can be taken against repeat offenders. They risk being fined, if they are found guilty in court.”
She said residential rate-payers had to abide by City Hall’s two-dog limit.
“Their pets have to be registered with us. On top this, they should ensure that their canines are properly vaccinated and do not become a public nuisance.”
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The spokeswoman was responding to feedback from two Taman Nelly rate-payers about the din which occasionally arose on Lorong Buah Pala 5, when the dogs – being reared in this part of Kolombong – all started barking at once.
These individuals who were unhappy about this nuisance provided Hotline with the pertinent details, regarding their grievance, which was forwarded to the agency.
The spokeswoman said its Animal Control Division (ACD) carried out four separate inspections of the housing road between yesterday and March 11.
A total of 10 canines were found in seven homes along the stretch, according to her.
“Three rate-payers had a pair in their compounds, while four others had one each,” she said.
She said two of the latter had neglected to obtain licences for their pets.
"Pamphlets were left at the seven homes, during the first inspection, to remind the dog-owners of our requirements.”
On top of this, seven staff with the ACD walked the length of the stretch, which spanned some 139metres, according to her.
“They carried hand-held tube nets with them to catch any canines found wandering unsupervised on the road but came back empty-handed in this instance.”
She said a second inspection was made a fortnight later.
“Notices were placed inside the post-boxes of the homes with the unlicenced dogs.
“Their owners were instructed to register their pets with us as soon as possible. They were also informed to attend to their canines if they started to bark incessantly.”
The spokeswoman said ACD returned on Monday, during which time they confirmed that the dog-owners had obtained a licence for each of their pets.
“Our dog-catching team inspected Lorong Buah Pala 5 on the following day. Yet again, no strays were found roaming about on this road.”
Nevertheless, in light of the recurring inconvenience caused by the dog-related commotion, she said the ACD would continue to make periodic checks of this part of Taman Nelly.
The spokeswoman reminded dog-owners around Kota Kinabalu to ensure that their pets were kept inside their compound.
“Our dog-catchers are authorised to nab any canines found unaccompanied in the common areas under our jurisdiction.
“Those wearing a tag will be impounded, with their owners given a grace-period to claim them.”
She said rate-payers would have to settle a compound of up to RM500, before their pets would be returned to them.
