Cops investigating alleged dog cruelty involving council workers

ALOR SETAR : Police here are investigating the alleged brutal acts of Kulim Kedah Municipal Council (MPKK) enforcement workers during a recent operation to catch stray dogs at the Taman Tiram housing area in Kulim recently.

Kedah police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said two reports have been lodged and added that photos and videos of the incident have gone viral on social media.

"An investigation paper has been opened under Section 428 of the Penal Code for committing mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming, or rendering useless any animal which provides imprisonment of up to three years or a fine or both if convicted.

"We are still in the midst of investigations to determine the laws and standard operating procedures in dealing with stray and feral dogs, " he said in a statement here on Saturday (July 10) which was reported by Bernama.

He also urged the public not to speculate or share the video clip as it could cause public concern and outrage.

A video showing MPKK enforcement workers torturing a dog during an operation last Thursday has since made its rounds on social media. The workers’ cruelty has raised public ire with several parties urging that the incident be investigated.

Meanwhile, Selangor Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) patron Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the three personnel should be investigated and subsequently, action should be taken under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.

"The Department of Veterinary Services must remind local councils to ensure that their workers comply with all the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act of 2015.

"State governments must also play their part in ensuring that all provisions of the act are strictly adhered to by the local authorities when dealing with stray animals," he said in a statement on Saturday.

Lee said under the Act, a person commits an offence of animal cruelty if he cruelly beats, kicks, ill-treats, tortures, infuriates or terrifies any animal.

"Animal abusers could be fined between RM20,000 and RM100,000 and/or face a jail term of up to three years.

"Over the years, we have seen many instances of cruelty to dogs but there have not been many prosecutions. This could be due to a lack of police reports.

"I wish to call on the public to lodge reports so that investigation be carried out and the offenders are brought to justice," he said.