I think it is about time Brunei has a new set of regulations regarding pets - ownership, breeding and selling.

The number of backyard cat breeders, pet shops and catteries have increased in the past year.

Only some I've learned are acting responsibly towards the cats they are producing.

A week ago, my cousin asked me to accompany her to buy a cat.

Having been away from Brunei for a few years, I chuckled and told her there is no pet shop in Brunei but I was surprised that there were indeed pet shops in Brunei where one could buy a kitten.

I for one am not keen on seeing a cat in a cage, and these pet shops are seen in broad daylight selling cats in small cages and in abysmal condition.

The Persians displayed (although I could clearly see they were cats of mixed breed since I have been to cat shows and seen how a pure Persian really looks like) were unkept, eyes not cleaned, and their litter box not cleaned and in a sorry state.

In short they were not looked after properly. After I questioned if the pets come with any pedigree or registration papers, their answer was the dreaded no.

Isn't this an act of animal abuse?

My cousin has also told me there are people even selling wild animals in cages at local 'tamus', which was a horror to know.

I am wondering if there is an act or order which would prohibit people in Brunei doing this kind of business.

In my opinion breeding cats must only be left to responsible and registered cat breeders and not to anyone who wants to make a fast buck out of it.

We do not want issues of strays in abundance in Brunei.

When I checked the many Facebook sites of people selling cats, there are just too many now, and all these people are selling cats which are not the breed they say they are (fake breed!).

It is in my opinion, Brunei really needs to address these issues seriously.

Meanwhile there are still stray cats everywhere in Brunei.

When Igo to the market, to the tamu, to school or to the shops these poor souls are seen roaming around the streets looking for food.

Also the puppies and the dogs as wells.

Here it is the norm to see dead strays along the street.

Someone must for pity's sake, help them.

In Australia, cat breeders will have to be registered and their cats will have to be microchipped and registered to be available to the public.

Can't Brunei follow such a example as well?

Cat breeders have to be responsible and registered and there must be a regulatory body to regulate this.

Last but not least, I hope some order is implemented without delay in favour of pets.

If Brunei can curb the selling of fake DVDs and CDs, we surely can have rules (a living creature is not inanimate like DVDs) and strict regulations about ownership and breeding.