IPOH: A 23-year-old was arrested after a video showing a man beating a dog to death with an iron rod at a house in Taman Arkid went viral.
The one-minute 31-second clip was uploaded on Instagram by the Malaysian Animal Organisation and has sparked outrage among animal lovers and the public.
Police received a report on Sept 19 at the Menglembu police station here and the suspect was arrested the next day, Ipoh OCPD Asst Comm Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said.
“The case is being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code and Section 29(1)(A) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, involving criminal intimidation among family members and the killing of a dog by the suspect.
“The suspect is currently out on police bail,” he said in a statement yesterday.
ACP Abang Zainal advised the public not to circulate the video or share statements that could cause unnecessary distress.
“Any information related to misconduct or cruelty towards animals should be reported directly to the police or the Veterinary Services Department (DVS),” he said.
The Perak DVS, meanwhile, said the dog died of severe head injuries.
In a statement, it said its animal welfare and enforcement officers had visited the man’s house yesterday.
“No one was home but the team managed to contact the man’s sister. She confirmed that the incident occurred on Sept 19 and that the dog died a few days later.
“A police report was also lodged the same day,” the statement read.
DVS officers also checked with the veterinary clinic where the dog had been taken.
“The veterinarian confirmed the dog was unconscious and in a critical state when brought in, with severe head injuries.
“Due to its poor prognosis, only supportive treatment could be administered,” it said.
Several animal non-governmental organisations nationwide have also lodged police reports over the case.
On Sunday, the Stray Animal Foundation Malaysia called for an immediate investigation into the case and condemned the act, calling it deeply disturbing and reflective of wider social risks.
