Remember Sheena Rally

Remember Sheena? The poor German Shephard which had to be put to sleep because of the horrid condition she suffered as a result of gross abuse and neglect by her so-called owner?

Like many animal lovers who were outraged by this incidence, it prompted me to blog about it last October.

Sheena had not died in vain, for she has become a symbol to remind us how we must stop owners from mistreating their pets. And because of her case, animal lovers and NGOs have been actively campaigning against animal abuse and neglects for a few months now.

Yesterday, I received a email from the person who created the Malaysia's First Dog and Cat Desk Calendar and was told that there will be a `Remembering Sheena Campaign Rally' at the SPCA Selangor this Saturday afternoon at 4pm!

I've copied and pasted the first post from the Remember Sheena blog as I do not want to misrepresent what the rally stands for.

RALLY ON JANUARY 21, 2006

The rally is to be held outside SPCA Selangor, Jalan Kerja Air Lama, 68000 Ampang, Selangor, MALAYSIA on Saturday, at 4 pm, January 21, 2006.

We appeal to all of you to please be present at sharp 4:00 pm as we will only gather for a short time just to show support. We don't expect to be there longer than 30 minutes.

This is not a fiesta or carnival but a serious stand by members of the public to cry out for justice for all animals. Hence we appeal to you, even if it rains, even if the sun beats down on your heads please stand for justice. Don't let rain or sunshine beat us back into our comfort zones. Wear hats, bring raincoats if necessary, but come. Please come.

The rally is for the purpose of :

1. Supporting SPCA in its drive to obtain 100,000 signatures to Petition The Prime Minister to amend the Animal Ordinance 1953.

Among the things we are seeking are:
a) We want to see mandatory one year jail sentences pronounced upon animal abusers.
b) We want a lifetime ban on convicted animal abusers from keeping animals
c) We want the courts to stop returning the abused animals to their abusive owners.
d) We want the fine raised to RM10,000.
e) We want all domestic animals to be given the right to exercise and medical treatment. Caging them and tying them for long hours is cruel and inhuman.
f) We want those drafting the new laws/amendments to consult NGOs and well-known animal rights activists instead of handing over this duty to legalists who have no knowledge of animal behaviour nor any compassion for them.

2. We want to launch an education drive to create awareness about all animals and the environment.

Let 2006 be a year where Malaysians came together for a selfless cause. A year when we stood up for something that did not personally benefit us but we did it because it was the right thing to do. I believe there are still people out there like that.

I will be going with my cousin sister Ling, another dog lover who is back from Australia for year-end break. I am really happy that she was so excited when I told her over chat on this rally and she was all gamed to go. I have also sent out emails to animal-loving friends whom i think might be interested. But so far, no replies except from Lynn who couldn't go as she has to work.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to it. At least I know I could do something in action for a cause I believe in. Animals are also God's creations and they don't deserve to be ill treated by their owners who have chosen to adopt them in the first place!

If you can't go for whatever reason, please do show your support by signing the petition at SPCA webpage.

I will definitely be blogging on it on Saturday evening! :)

update Sat midinite: yep, it was indeed a good and memorable experience! And it was my first visit to SPCA! (yeah, should have done it earlier as I thought it was difficult to go.. :p) Took many pix...! although the number of people who turned up were less than what I expected, Much to tell, but too tired and too late now..been out the whole day! Will blog on tomorrow..