As a Sabahan, I am deeply embarrased by this episode and I really hope the DVS make their stand and prosecute those who responsible!

In case you didn’t know, the issue of the “dying horses” in a ranch in Melinsung is still on-going and now took an embarassing turn of events. Apparently the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in Sabah is “covering” up for the owner, who is KK ex-Mayor Datuk Abdul Ghani Rashid. After the SPCA reported the problem to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in Sabah through the central DVS in Kuala Lumpur, they decided to simply monitor the case and work with the owner to improve the conditions of the horses.

Now latest reports from SPCA Representative Sue Quek, state that “There are only around 30 left and animals are still suffering and dying.”

On 1st April, the DVS cleared the ranch, with the following claims

The Veterinary Services Department has cleared the Melinsung ranch of rumours that its horses were in urgent need of care.
Its director, Datuk Awang Sahak Salleh, said reports over the Internet on the matter were untrue.

“I have received more than 200 emails from all over the world about the matter. It is shocking. We have been monitoring the horses at the ranch on a weekly basis and are satisfied with the living conditions.

“As far as I am concerned, the problem has been solved. I even took an officer from the World Society for the Protection of Animals in Bangkok to observe conditions at the ranch.”

Awang Sahak was commenting on online allegations that horses at the ranch were poorly looked after.
Ranch owner Col Datuk Abdul Ghani Rashid denied rumours that his horses had been confiscated and that he had been banned from rearing horses.

Here’s what the officer from Bangkok said about the news.

As Datuk Awang Salleh mentioned, I did visit Melingsung Ranch with the DVS officers who have been supervising the Ranch for the last one month, afterwards I had a meeting with Datuk Awang Salleh and the Head Enforcement Officer Dr Amat, at this meeting I told them that had this cruelty been reported in KL I am confident that the DVS there would have confiscated immediately and pushed ahead for prosecution. I told them that 80% of the horses I saw at the Ranch that day (2nd March 2008) were in poor condition most likely due to chronic malnutrition.

Also, as the DVS Sabah have been happy to applaud themselves in this case I would like to state here that the lack of welfare training these Officers (some of whom are Veterinarians) have is paltry considering they are responsible for enforcing the Laws regarding animal cruelty, even so, the SPCA and myself found that they are confused over the Laws that are applicable within Sabah and who indeed should be enforcing and prosecuting the Laws. Any persons who could look at these horses and state ‘good condition’ at any point in the last 6 months must be inept

Here’s how you can help, link to this page (http://www.spca.org.my/horse.htm) and send an email to the ones listed there.

Shame on you Abdul Ghani and shame on Datuk Awang Sahak Salleh! BOO!