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KUALA LUMPUR – Animal lovers did not hide their disdain upon discovering the trade of “rainbow pigeons” in Kelantan, a trend started by a roadside bird seller.
The issue first came to light after several local media outlets reported on what were branded “unique” pigeons being put up for sale by one Ismail Che Daud in Cabang Tiga Kepulau, Tumpat.
The 55-year-old trader, whose bird-trading business started slowing down since the rainy season began, decided to spray-paint his pigeons with an assortment of colours in an attempt to revive sales.
This did not bode well with many Malaysians, who took to social media to condemn the practice, with some highlighting the danger it poses to the feathered creatures.
Veterinarian Salehatul Khuzaimah Mohamad Ali posted on Twitter her shock upon learning of the action, which she said could potentially put the pigeons at a health risk.
“I am sorry. This is not funny at all. This kind of news is not worth reporting on. This is so sad,” she said last night.
Allahuuuu😭😭😭😭
— dr.ima_vet (@drimavet) January 30, 2022
I am sorry..
This is NOT funny at all.
Merpati pelangi? Membuka ‘pintu rezeki’?What?! pic.twitter.com/yBYdQOhLOG
“Did you know that any strong scent is dangerous to birds? We might not know the internal damage done (to them). The birds might not die straight away, but can they (birds) tell you what they are feeling inside?
“Please, use your brain. This is called animal abuse,” she added, while asking if the Department of Veterinary Services can take action on this matter.
The department said those with information could file a complaint through the MyAnimalWelfare official website by filling out the complaint form regarding animal welfare and abuse.
Salehatul’s post yesterday has since garnered over 8,000 retweets, with the vast majority of comments slamming the action of the trader.
Popular TikTok vlogger @CeddyOrNot said he initially thought the colours of the pigeon were original and questioned how the media could have reported on Ismail’s business so casually.
Sumpan I ingat such birds exist until the spray can came out I was like HOLD ON how come people just reported the stories casually?!!!! Teruk betul.
— Ceddy (@CeddyOrNot) January 30, 2022
User @_EricHarith said: “This is straight up animal cruelty. Please don’t allow this to become a trend.”
BRO THAT IS STRAIGHT UP ANIMAL CRUELTY!!! please jangan biarkan this thing jadi trend😭🙏🏻
— Eric (@_EricHarith) January 30, 2022
Another user @_ixirnad commented that as someone whose hobby includes spray painting, she would put on a gas mask while carrying out her activity.
As someone who's hobby includes spray paint, I legit have a specific gas mask whenever I paint because the paint is harmful even to humans, and that's be painting other things.
— Adrini Chia (@_ixirnad) January 30, 2022
This legit spraying ON THE BIRD 😭 birds gonna get sick, probably die early, idk man, kesian the bird
@mrpapadu similarly labelled the practice as animal abuse, while pointing out that cosmetic testing on animals has been banned in most parts of the world.
Cosmetic testing on animals pun dunia dah banned... Ni kan spray cat pada haiwan.. mmg langgar kemanusiaan terhadap haiwan..
— 🌈Papa Bear🔞 (@mrpapadu) January 30, 2022
According to multiple media reports, since he started spray-painting his birds, Ismail has managed to make roughly RM1,000 a month through the sale of approximately 10 pigeons a day.
Other than pigeons, Ismail also sells several other bird species, with prices ranging from RM15 to RM600 each.
He had also supposedly said the paints he used are not dangerous to the birds, as they are not permanent, and that he always covers the birds’ eyes before spraying on their feathers.
Meanwhile, Samurai Paint Malaysia, whose product was pictured used by Ismail, has said that it does not support or allow any of its items to be applied onto animals.
“We will not be responsible for any harm caused by the misuse of our products, especially if they are applied onto animals,” it posted on Facebook today.
“We would like to urge users to take responsibility in protecting and caring for the welfare of animals together.” – The Vibes, January 31, 2022