PETALING JAYA: A video of a man killing a stray dog with a bow and arrow in broad daylight has drawn the ire of animal rights groups, which point out that this is not the first time that an animal was shot with an archery-type weapon.
This has also led to many netizens questioning the sale of bows and arrows to the public.
Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) general manager Kelvin Cheah Kheng Tatt noted that this was the second time the group had seen a violent incident with the same type of weapon.
“Malaysians are generally quite tolerant and kind to animals, but do not ever let the minority wipe away the kind work done by others to help strays.
“We should stand up, and speak up against the savage act whenever we witness a crime,” he said.
Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar (SAFM) took to social media to share the video and alleged that the man had shot the stray during archery training.
“Based on the video, the suspect had trailed the stray dog with his bow and arrow,” the group said in a Facebook post.
It noted that the dog died with the arrow pierced through its face.
The group said that it did not believe that the dog had attacked the man.
“Why would this cruel person prey on dogs as part of his archery training? Unfortunately, this is not the first time that SAFM had reported that an animal had been killed cruelly by an inhumane archer,” it added.
The group called on witnesses to come forward, adding that the incident was an offence under the Animal Welfare Act which outlined that those found guilty can face up to three years’ jail, or a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000, or both.
Independent Pet Adoption Network (IPAN) co-founder Catherine Leyow said there was no excuse for shooting down a stray.
“I understand that some people are not comfortable with stray dogs in their area, but that doesn’t mean they should stoop to committing torturous, inhumane acts,” she said when contacted.
Leyow said the perpetrator of the “horrible crime” must be found and prosecuted under the law.
She also noted that many communities would organise a trap, neuter and release programme in their areas to control the dog population, and then feed and look out for the dogs.
“Community dogs can be an asset, as they keep rats and other vermin under control, and ward off burglars. Some have even been known to protect residents from an attack,” she added.
A number of such incidents were reported in the past with the most recent one whereby a dog was killed with a bow and arrow in Alor Setar.
“Ban the sale of bows and arrows to members of the public. It has to be under control,” said one dc_ashh on Instagram.
Another user, alyffruzz, said: “As an archer, I am disappointed. Not only did you use it wrongly, you used it in a public space and (it’s a case of) abuse.”
One posting by Iisaradi said: “How did he get permission to use the arrow in a public place? This does not only just endanger animals but (maybe) people tomorrow or the next day.”
