BAHAU: An animal rescue organisation is urging the Veterinary Services Department to investigate the reported killing of 33 stray dogs and take strong action against those responsible.
Former Negri Sembilan exco member Datuk L. Manickam, who is a committee member of the Bahau Animal Rescue Association said that all the dogs were poisoned at Taman Kaseh Putera near here.
He said the association members were first told of the poisoning of five strays on Sept 8, and more dogs were found dead after.
"We have lodged a police report. Action must be taken," he said.
He said those who commit such acts can be charged under the Section 428 of the Penal Code or Section 30 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
He added that offenders found guilty under the Penal Code can be jailed for up to three years or fined or both upon conviction. The penalty under the Animal Welfare Act is also a jail term of up to three years and a fine of up to RM100,000 or both.
Manickam believed the strays were poisoned as they had been fine the day before their carcasses were found.
"The dogs were also found dead in groups, frothing and bleeding from the mouth," he said, adding that the local council should also educate the people not to resort to poisoning the strays and the consequences if they did so.
Manickam said the state authorities should also set aside allocations to neuter strays in every district to control the population.
On a separate matter, Manickam thanked the state authorities for providing a 0.4ha plot of land for an animal shelter in Jempol but expressed hope it would also provide funds for its construction.
He said that without cash aid, animal welfare groups would not be able to build or run shelters.
