30/09/2025

TUESDAY | SEPT 30, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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Educator advocates for animal-assisted therapy

Association suggests using strays in new treatment PETALING JAYA: Stray cats and dogs may one day swap back alleys for hospital corridors if Malaysia embraces animal-assisted therapy (AAT), said Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia president Kalaivanan Ravichandran. He urged the Health Ministry to treat AAT as a serious complementary option for physical and mental health. He proposed starting small with pilot projects in hospitals and rehabilitation centres, working alongside NGOs and certified therapy-animal handlers. “The goal is not to replace medical care, but to enrich it with the emotional and psychological benefits that animals naturally bring,” he said, adding that these pilots could be studied by the ministry before expanding AAT into physiotherapy, mental-health support and elder-care rehabilitation. However, Kalaivanan said for hospitals and NGOs to buy in, the government must first set rules. “Formal recognition from the Health Ministry is essential. We need guidelines on animal welfare, handler training and hygiene. Policies that support certification and professional training of therapy teams, both human and animal, would make AAT credible and sustainable.” He said universities and research institutes should also step up to gather local data, adding that clinical studies that track stress levels, recovery times and patient wellbeing could make a strong case to policymakers and funders. “Research could also examine how therapy animals impact different groups, such as children with autism, stroke patients or seniors in elder care. Solid local evidence is what turns AAT from a ‘feel good’ concept into an evidence-based intervention,” said Kalaivanan. He believes the benefits could even extend behind prison walls. “AAT calms inmates, reduces stress and teaches empathy and responsibility. With NGO partnerships, it could give them new skills and a better shot at rebuilding their lives. Other countries are already seeing results and there is no reason Malaysia cannot as well.” He called for action on three fronts, namely government endorsement, funding and guidelines; openness from medical professionals to collaborate with NGOs; and a shift in public perception. “Community awareness is key. AAT only works when people see animals as partners in healing,” he said. One of the association’s boldest ideas is to involve strays in the process. “This is very close to our heart. Stray animals, when given care, training and love, could become excellent therapy companions. They are often resilient and gentle by nature,” said Kalaivanan. “Rehabilitating strays into therapy animals solves two issues at once, namely animal homelessness and the need for compassionate health interventions. It is a beautiful, practical solution.” He emphasised that animals should not be seen merely as mouths to feed or problems to manage. “They could be healers, teachers and companions. At the association, we believe every stray deserves dignity and purpose. If we open our hearts to them, they could open doors to better mental health, stronger communities and a kinder Malaysia. “Let us heal together, humans and animals, side by side.” – By KIRTINEE RAMESH

o ‘Healing sometimes comes from silent

meaning practice is patchy at best. Trained therapists and handlers are also thin on the ground. On top of that, there is the issue of cultural and religious sensitivity. “Attitudes towards animals, particularly dogs, differ across our multicultural society,” she said. Cats, rabbits or horses could be viable substitutes to win wider acceptance. Funding is another sticky point, with healthcare institutions often favouring established, conventional interventions over innovative ones. However, Siti Aisyah expressed belief that momentum is building. She envisions universities, hospitals and community centres leading with small-scale pilots to create local evidence. She said partnerships between psychology and veterinary departments could then lay the foundation for a Malaysian model of AAT. “With the right advocacy, Malaysia could even position itself as a regional leader in culturally adaptive AAT,” she said. For her, the message is simple: healing is not always about prescriptions and pep talks. Sometimes, it is about a quiet purr, a steady gaze or a furry presence at your side, proof that science and compassion could walk paw-in-hand to transform mental healthcare. • See also Page 10 for Marinated Makcik’s commentary on animal therapy.

post-traumatic stress. “The presence of an animal offers unconditional acceptance. Rather than replacing psychotherapy or psychiatric care, AAT amplifies it. Patients feel safer, more motivated and more willing to engage. “That is powerful for those struggling with loneliness, trauma recovery or social anxiety.” The science also backs it up. Time with animals raises oxytocin, the “bonding hormone”, along with serotonin and dopamine, the mood stabilisers. Cortisol, the stress hormone, drops. Blood pressure falls. Heart rates steady. And the brain’s reward and attachment centres light up, boosting resilience and emotional control. Siti Aisyah added that animals make excellent “social icebreakers”, easing people into conversations and trust-building without awkward silences. She said Malaysia’s current shift towards holistic wellbeing offers the perfect opening, adding that the Malaysia Madani framework, with its emphasis on inclusive health services, could provide a home for AAT if policymakers are bold enough. Hospitals, rehab centres, universities and special-needs schools could roll out pilot programmes to diversify therapy and make mental health treatment less clinical and more human. But the road is not clear. Malaysia has no official guidelines or accreditation for AAT,

companionship that offers empathy without judgement’

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) could be the missing piece in Malaysia’s mental health puzzle, if only policy and public support catch up with the science, said Universiti Teknologi Malaysia psychology professor Prof Dr Siti Aisyah Panatik. “Healing does not always come from medicine or words alone. Sometimes, it comes from the silent companionship of another living being who offers empathy without judgement,” she said. Globally, AAT has been proven to calm nerves, lift moods and help people claw their way out of trauma. Siti Aisyah argued that Malaysia is just as ripe for such an approach. From dogs and cats to horses and even rabbits, therapy animals are showing results elsewhere in reducing anxiety, depression and

Siti Aisyah said partnerships between psychology and veterinary departments could lay the foundation for a Malaysian model of AAT. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Operation to address livestock-caused road crashes GUA MUSANG: Four key locations in this district have been identified as hotspots for road collisions involving livestock, prompting the Gua Musang District Council to launch its ongoing Op Haiwan Rayau. He said the operation is aimed at reducing the risk of crashes caused by stray animals on main roads and in Felda settlements.

to comply may face a fine of up to RM1,000 while court penalties could reach RM2,000 or a year’s jail. Gua Musang police chief Supt Sik Choon Foo said 201 accidents involving animals have been recorded in the district this year. “Of the total, 131 cases involved livestock while 119 collisions occurred at the identified hotspots,” he said. – Bernama

“From January to September, 15 cows and four goats were caught. Apart from enforcement, announcements were also made at suraus and mosques to remind farmers not to let their animals roam freely,” he said on Sunday. Mohd Roshdi said livestock owners who fail

Council president Mohd Roshdi Ismail said the hotspots are along Jalan Gua Musang–Kuala Krai, Felda Chiku 3, Jalan Felda Chiku 5 and Felda Chiku 7.