IPOH: The Ipoh City Council (MBI) has denied allegations that dogs were buried alive at the Lahat Animal Detention Centre, following the circulation of a viral video that sparked public outrage on social media and news portals.
In a statement on Tuesday (July 22), MBI clarified that the burial process shown in the video was part of the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the management of stray animals.
“The claims that the dogs were buried alive are completely untrue.
“All animals involved had undergone a humane Put To Sleep (PTS) process in accordance with established guidelines and legal frameworks,” the statement read.
On Monday, The Star carried a story on a deeply distressing video which emerged, showing workers in uniform burying several dead dogs at a pound in Lahat, shared by the Ipoh branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).
ISPCA president Ricky Soong had revealed that a man dropped off a pen drive containing the footage at his office on Monday (July 21) around 6.30pm.
In one segment of the footage, many dogs are seen alive in cages, while another shows mass graves where presumably dead dogs are thrown.
MBI in the statement also mentioned that the procedure was carried out by the Veterinary Services Department, the agency with official authority over animal welfare matters.
“Burials are only carried out after the department confirms the animals’ deaths to ensure the remains are disposed of safely and in line with public health standards.
“The council remains committed to ethical and responsible stray animal management and adheres strictly to procedures set by the relevant authorities,” the statement added.
