KUALA LUMPUR: A heated debate erupted in the Dewan Rakyat over the recent killing of a well-known stray dog, “Kopi,” in Besut, Terengganu.
The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media, was brought to the attention of Parliament, leading to a fiery exchange between MPs.
Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (Besut-PN) defended the actions of the Besut District Council, which had been responsible for the killing of the dog.
He argued that the incident was not an isolated act of cruelty but rather part of an ongoing effort to address the growing problem of stray dogs in the area.
“(Previously) Jelutong (MP RSN Rayer) said the actions of the Besut District Council staff were brutal and inhumane for killing a stray dog.
“But the fact is, there have been many complaints about stray dogs in Besut - there are 800 stray dogs and 131 complaints already lodged,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat when debating the Supply Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 28).
He went on to justify the council’s actions by stating that stray animals posed a significant public health and safety risk.
“There is justification. Stray animals have a negative impact - they cause disturbances in the area, pose a risk of rabies, injury to the public, and create a mess with faeces on the roads, which can even lead to accidents.
“It’s not reckless; we don’t simply shoot on sight.”
Chong Zhemin (Kampar - PH) was quick to challenge Che Mohamad’s defence, accusing him of providing misleading information and asserting that the killing of the dog violated the law.
He pointed out that under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, such actions are not permitted without following proper procedures.
“What Besut said earlier is misleading and wrong. He said the killing of the dog can be justified.
“According to Section 29(1)(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, you cannot kill a dog like that.
“You must follow the standard operating procedures (SOP). Even if it’s a stray dog, it must be captured humanely. You cannot harm the dog,” he said.
Chong demanded that Che Mohamad retract his statement, reiterating that there is no legal justification for such actions.
“So, retract that statement. Even though the dog was a stray, there’s no justification for killing it.”
The exchange between the two MPs intensified as Che Mohamad attempted to clarify that the authorities had followed the correct procedures.
However, Chong remained firm, insisting that the killing was unlawful.
“Listen carefully!” Che Mohamad said while raising his voice.
Chong responded, “This is the law. There is no justification for this.”
Che Mohamad continued to insist that procedures were followed, but Chong retorted: “You cannot kill a dog like that! This is against the law. As an MP, Besut should defend the laws of the country. This is clearly a violation of the law.”
The Kampar MP further urged his Besut counterpart to revisit the legal framework.
“You cannot kill like this. Besut needs to go back and read the law,” Chong added whike highlighting the importance of adhering to Malaysia’s legal protections for animal welfare.
The tension later eased when Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul intervened, instructing both MPs to take their seats.
