On guide dogs for the blind

Animal lovers around the globe celebrated World Animal Day on October 4, marking the event, which was set up in 1931, with a variety of activities to bring attention to the plight of all animals and our relationship with them as human beings.

While most of these efforts are often laudable and do much to raise awareness about the unique role that animals play in enriching our lives; some, unfortunately, fall way below the mark.

Recently a video of a blind man trying to take his guide dog around Kuala Lumpur caught the attention and admiration of many, mostly sighted persons.

They saw a man and his canine guide trying to get into a bus and a taxi but was shooed away because of the animal. This, despite the fact that the individual had tried to explain to them that his pet was a special assistant.

The duo received the same treatment when they tried to access into a shopping complex. They were promptly surrounded by the security staff and showed the door.

No amount of explanation succeeded to convince the authorities to let them in as a special case.

As a result, the video, and a number of media that carried the story afterwards, concluded that Malaysians were an uncaring bunch who refused to consider the needs of those with really special needs.

The blind, however, especially those who have been championing for their rights only saw red in the video.

Whilst they too were in support for assistance dogs in Malaysia one day, they argued that the video and the stories in the media were at best half-baked and full of distortions about the situation of the blind in the country.

A spokesperson for a blind organisation who didn't want to be named said, "The video caused a lot of damage to the image of the blind in Malaysia.

"It went overboard in emphasising the usefulness of guide dogs by implying that the blind in Malaysia can't have a high quality of life and purpose without service animals.

"This is utter rubbish. It unfairly devalues the purpose of white canes which aid the blind to go about anywhere they want. It is an indispensible tool for the blind, even for those who have guide dogs."

Another visually impaired Malaysian William Koh, who lives in Melbourne, Australia, and has been using a guide dog since he became totally blind through glaucoma points out that there must be a strong and viable support service in any country that wishes to start a guide-dog service.

"The dog, for instance, must be trained in Malaysia's particular surrounding (with all the relevant bodies involved) in order for the animal to work effectively," he explained.

William went on to point out that he had to stay with his guide-dog-to-be for a full month in the training centre before they graduated from class.

In all that time, he had to prove to the trainers that he was able to take care of the basic needs of his dog like feeding, bathing and general care.

If there was any problem such as William's canine not being able to adapt to his new partner or vice versa, the centre would try to see if another canine was available as suitability was a key ingredient in all guide dog applicants.
(This was not shown in the video. Instead, the dog was brought to the blind man in his home. Another situation that doesn't work with guide dog training.)

After the full month orientation programme, a human trainer was sent to William's home to work with his dog. They had to teach the guide dog how to go to the bank, post office and other places where William frequented in his normal activities before the duo were paired off successfully.

Some of the other concerns are:

• Guide dogs need to be properly trained and accredited to internationally recognised guide dog organisations.

• How will dogs that are not trained in Malaysia be able to cross our infamous streets where vehicles are known to dash through red lights when crossing - especially motorcycles?

• What happens if stray dogs which are common in Malaysia attack guide dogs and their human partners?

• Guide dogs in Australia cost A$30,000 (RM86,000). William got his free of charge from the Seeing Eye Dog of Australia. Will the same be done in Malaysia after they are trained locally?  

The bottom line is the answer to having guide dogs in Malaysia will never work just by importing an animal from overseas. They must be trained locally. This must include all the relevant parties, private and government bodies to get involved with more ongoing awareness about the purpose of such canines in our society.

It is not a matter of simply blaming people of being uncaring. – October 7, 2014.

*This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.