Justice for Naomi's Death

To:  Department of Veterinary Services, Malaysia

Naomi, a nine-year-old tabby cat, was slightly ill so on 23rd March 2006, her owner, Raihana Souket Ali (of Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia) had decided to board her at a government clinic - Jabatan Haiwan Bukit Mertajam (JHBM), Penang.

Based on the clinic's promises to look after her, Naomi was left in its care.

Four days later, when my Raihana's family returned to collect her on 27th March, they were informed that she had died.

The family could not find out when exactly she had died, but Naomi was found lying in a very small cage, infested with flies and ants. Upon investigation, it was revealed that she had been locked in there since she was admitted, and had not been fed water or food the entire four days she was there.

JHBM officials refused to take responsibility and deflected the blame between each other, claiming each had thought the other would feed Naomi. But no one did.

Three months on, Raihana struggles to accept how Naomi has died, and she has desperately fought for justice over this unspeakable tragedy. She has made complaints to officials and their heads, including a letter she sent to Mr Mohd Radzuan bin Malek, Dept of Veterinary Services, Headquarters, Wisma Tani, Level 2, Podium Block 1A, Lot 4GI, Precient 4, Federal Government Administrative Centre, 62630 Putrajaya. She still awaits a reply to this day.

The death of Naomi was completely avoidable, and with one case of inexcusable human error being made public, who knows how many more animals have died or risk suffering and death under the careless hands that run JHBM.


We, the undersigned, strongly urge for:

1) The Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services to conduct a thorough investigation into the case of the needless death by starvation of the feline patient, named Naomi, between 23rd March and 27th March 2006, at Jabatan Haiwan Bukit Mertajam (JHBM), Penang, Malaysia.

2) Immediate action to be taken against the individuals employed at JHBM, who were directly and indirectly involved and consequently responsible for the death of Naomi.

3) All animals under the care of JHBM from this day forth to be treated with adequate care and respect in a clean and healthy environment, in conjunction with universally stringent policies and regulations regarding hygiene and patient welfare that stand in any other animal hospital/clinic in the world. For JHBM employees to constantly monitor and ensure, to the best of their ability, the mental, emotional and physical well-being of their patients during their stay at the premises.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Justice for Naomi's Death Petition to Department of Veterinary Services, Malaysia was created by Members of the Remembering Sheena Campaign and written by Davina Goh (davina.goh@gmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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