Kopi became an Internet celebrity a video of her playing with a kitten went viral.
JERTIH: The shooting of a stray dog named 'Kopi,' which sparked an outcry on social media, was carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP), says Besut District Council (MDB) president Mohd Sukeri Ibrahim.
He also refuted claims that council workers abandoned the dog after it was shot.
"The handling of the stray dog adhered to SOP established by the Housing and Local Government Ministry and complied with Section 30 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015," he said.
"When our team attempted to retrieve the dog's remains, they were prevented from doing so by certain individuals," Bernama reported him as saying.
He said that the anti-stray operation was conducted in line with Dog Licensing By-Laws (Besut District Council) 1990 following complaints about a pack of stray dogs which had become aggressive and were harassing pedestrians.
Mohd Sukeri added that the law allows the use of firearms in specific cases during operations to manage or remove dangerous or wild animals.
Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, the Terengannu executive committee member in charge of local councils said MDB had adhered to stipulated guidelines and by-laws when conducting the operation.
He added that MDB carried out the operation in line with Clause 9 of the Dog Licensing By-laws 1990.
However, Clause 9 of the by-laws only states that a stray may be caught to be destroyed and does not mention shooting.
The statement issued by MBD, mentions ministry guidelines issued in 2014, which stipulate that council workers can use adjustable loops, traps and nets to catch dogs and not cause any injury to the animals.
It also states use of any other devices such as tranquiliser guns and others must first be referred to the police and the Veterinary Services Department (DVS).
DVS head of animal welfare Dr Marzuna Md Yunus had previously said that shooting can only be carried out during emergencies, or to control diseases such as rabies, or if the dog is fierce and had attacked people.
People's Legal Team founder Dinesh Muthal questioned if MDB had reached out to the DVS or the police before carrying out the shooting and if the person who had discharged the firearm was licensed.
Meanwhile, Terengganu DVS director Dr Anun Man was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian that the case was being investigated under AWA 2015.
"The department would like to convey that the matter is under scrutiny and investigation," he said.
