Dogs and Condos
May 30th 2011 15:37
:
Pets and Condominium
People in every country of the world keep pets of some kind or another. These may include cats, dogs, birds, monkeys, rodents or reptiles. Probably the most popular or most kept pets are dogs. Many people keep dogs for protection or for guide dog purposes, but the vast majority are just for companionship. When I lived in the US I had a dog, which was part Black Labrador Retriever and part Rottweiler. Needless to say he was a rather large dog. I lived in a single family house with a large fenced in yard where the dog could roam freely. Even though I had a yard I still had to walk him daily and clean up after him. He was a quiet dog who only barked when a stranger approached the house. He loved to play with the neighborhood children and was of no bother to any of the neighbors.
Here in Malaysia I would love a dog, but I live in a condo and it would be very difficult to responsibly keep one. I believe that in every condominium complex in Penang, or for that matter everywhere in the world, there are rules that forbid pets. Here these rules are very rarely enforced. Personally I have a cat and a prairie dog, but they are confined to my unit and make no noise that can be heard outside the unit. I do know that people in my complex, as well as in other complexes I am familiar with, own dogs.
The majority of dogs seen here are small miniature type dogs such as poodles. Owners treat them more as children than as pets. They carry them around, not letting their paws touch the ground. They bring them into food courts, coffee shops and restaurants, where they are allowed, completely disregarding rules of hygiene. In the condos they usually do not leave the individual's unit. The problem with these small dogs is that they have a high pitched bark and quite often bark constantly. This can be very annoying. What is even more annoying is that some owners allow their dogs to deficate in common areas and don't clean up after them. It's not the dogs' fault. It is the fault of the selfish, ignorant owners. If you can responsibly care for your dog, then it won't be a nuisance to the neighbors. My feeling, however, is that it is unfair to the dogs to be cooped up in an apartment without having ample space to exercise. There is no such thing as a dog walking service, which is seen in the west.
Another point regarding dogs that many people may not know is that dogs are considered "unclean" by Muslims and 60% of Malaysians are Malays, who are Muslim. They are not allowed to touch or associate with dogs. So if there are dogs in condos where Malays live, it is very insensitive to allow them in public areas.
Outside of my condo there is large vacant lot, where a number of stray dogs roam and proliferate. I am saddened daily when I walk past this area and see these poor mangy dogs looking for food. In the three years I have lived here I have seen about six litters of puppies running around. In the past week I have noticed three new puppies of about 2 months of age. They are so cute that sometimes I am tempted to pick one up and bring it home. Fortunately I come to my senses. I believe that the MSPCA has been called, but they have not been able to catch them. I have learned that every once and awhile the local government authority comes to shoot the dogs they can find. Apparently people buy or adopt dogs that they no longer can care for and abandon them here. It's a sad story.
In my opinion if people have a house with a yard or outdoor space having a dog is great for both the dog and the owner. If people live in a condo I feel they should think twice about owning a dog. Is it fair to the other residents? But most importantly. Is it fair to the dog? Think and act responsibly.
Here in Malaysia I would love a dog, but I live in a condo and it would be very difficult to responsibly keep one. I believe that in every condominium complex in Penang, or for that matter everywhere in the world, there are rules that forbid pets. Here these rules are very rarely enforced. Personally I have a cat and a prairie dog, but they are confined to my unit and make no noise that can be heard outside the unit. I do know that people in my complex, as well as in other complexes I am familiar with, own dogs.
The majority of dogs seen here are small miniature type dogs such as poodles. Owners treat them more as children than as pets. They carry them around, not letting their paws touch the ground. They bring them into food courts, coffee shops and restaurants, where they are allowed, completely disregarding rules of hygiene. In the condos they usually do not leave the individual's unit. The problem with these small dogs is that they have a high pitched bark and quite often bark constantly. This can be very annoying. What is even more annoying is that some owners allow their dogs to deficate in common areas and don't clean up after them. It's not the dogs' fault. It is the fault of the selfish, ignorant owners. If you can responsibly care for your dog, then it won't be a nuisance to the neighbors. My feeling, however, is that it is unfair to the dogs to be cooped up in an apartment without having ample space to exercise. There is no such thing as a dog walking service, which is seen in the west.
Another point regarding dogs that many people may not know is that dogs are considered "unclean" by Muslims and 60% of Malaysians are Malays, who are Muslim. They are not allowed to touch or associate with dogs. So if there are dogs in condos where Malays live, it is very insensitive to allow them in public areas.
Outside of my condo there is large vacant lot, where a number of stray dogs roam and proliferate. I am saddened daily when I walk past this area and see these poor mangy dogs looking for food. In the three years I have lived here I have seen about six litters of puppies running around. In the past week I have noticed three new puppies of about 2 months of age. They are so cute that sometimes I am tempted to pick one up and bring it home. Fortunately I come to my senses. I believe that the MSPCA has been called, but they have not been able to catch them. I have learned that every once and awhile the local government authority comes to shoot the dogs they can find. Apparently people buy or adopt dogs that they no longer can care for and abandon them here. It's a sad story.
In my opinion if people have a house with a yard or outdoor space having a dog is great for both the dog and the owner. If people live in a condo I feel they should think twice about owning a dog. Is it fair to the other residents? But most importantly. Is it fair to the dog? Think and act responsibly.
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