:. Notes On Bradley Wilkinson's Animal Welfare Talk Held On Saturday 15 August 2009 At The Sabah State Library Kota Kinabalu

Mr Bradley Wilkinson, a Council Ranger working in Western Australian and his lovely wife Tazmia, came to Kota Kinabalu Sabah for a holiday from 10 – 17 August 2009. It is their first time visiting Kota Kinabalu. Bradley contacted SPCA KK through its website and offered to give a free talk and experience sharing to SPCA KK's members on animal welfare which covered dog obedience training, disaster and relief program for animals, rescue work and law enforcement in Australia.

SPCA KK executive committee was very happy with the offer and arranged for the talk to be conducted on Saturday 15 August 2009 at 2.30 pm at the Kota Kinabalu State Library Multi Purpose Hall. Although there was not ample time to make a wide publicity of the event, about 30 members and interested individuals came to listen to Bradley including representatives from the KK City Hall, Dept of Veterinary Services and the local media. Bradley was able to capture the attention of those present and many relevant questions were asked. However due to time constraint the talk ended at 5.00 pm.

Bradley demonstrated the way to handle aggressive dogs and shared his experience in the following aspects:

Dealing with aggressive dog. We must first understand the dog's body language in communication. Understand facial expressions, the body being tense or the tail tuck under etc. The most important issue is to obtain the dog’s trust that we are not here to harm them. The also need to develop a humane relationship with humans showing leadership. With a dog allowing to run wild may only develop into dog attacks and worst, death. Obedience training with owned dogs is very important too prevent these issues.

Animal Emergency Management. This is an issue with both the animal owner and the Government. As pet owners, not only should we be saving ourselves, our pets should also be considered. The Government cans assist by supplying an area for rescue animals and for a place animals may be taken too until collected by the responsible owner.

Law and Education. Laws will not work without support by the Government issuing them. Education and laws can work side bye side. Education is like running a business. We need to keep on promoting pet responsibility, even if only a small group attends. Education material comes in many forms. Inviting key people like the media, sponsorships, businesses etc to events helps keeps the public interest and educate people.

From the above talk, SPCA KK has a lot to do in its effort to provide better way of managing stray population and cruelty in the State. This includes:

1. Government Lobby to use a more humane way of catching and eliminating strays;
2. Updating ancient ordinance on animal cruelty;
3. Pet Responsibility Ownership
4. Education and Awareness Programs
5. Getting more committed members
6. Public participation in SPCA KK's work

Bradley also brought and handed over materials such as brochures, leaflets and DVDs on animal welfare work that are useful to SPCA KK. A business management plan was shown to assist maintain and motivate the good efforts members are butting forward.

The ex-co members of SPCA KK recorded their appreciation to Bradley and hoped that he will make another visit to Sabah help SPCA KK in the not too distant future.

Prepared by Faridah Malai
28 August 2009

Posted by webmaster on 9 Sep 2009, Wed