PETALING JAYA: The Association for the Protection of the Natural Heritage of Malaysia (Peka) has strongly criticised Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) statement regarding the recent killing of dogs on its campus
Calling the university’s response “misleading, illogical and an attempt to downplay criminal offences”, Peka said UPM’s claim that the incident was a management issue was inaccurate, stressing that the shooting and poisoning of dogs amounted to a crime under the law.
“While UPM attempts to portray this matter as a mere management issue, it is not. A crime has been committed and perpetrators must be brought to justice,” Peka said in a statement on Saturday (Oct 4).
The group accused UPM of acknowledging public concern without admitting its responsibility in authorising or permitting the killings.
“This omission misleads the public into believing this was an unfortunate occurrence rather than a direct breach of law,” it said.
The NGO also dismissed UPM’s expression of regret, arguing that it did not absolve the institution of liability.
Peka pointed out that UPM’s claim of compliance with regulations was false, noting that the Animal Welfare Act 2015 expressly prohibits the shooting of dogs.
The group further criticised UPM’s decision to establish an internal inquiry committee, calling it illogical and inadequate.
"Crimes cannot be investigated internally by the offender themselves.
"It is incumbent upon UPM to immediately lodge a police report against the officers and contractors involved, and to fully cooperate with enforcement authorities,” it said.
Peka urged UPM to take immediate and concrete action, including lodging a police report against all responsible officers and contractors, suspending the implicated staff pending an independent investigation, and fully cooperating with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) as well as the police in any criminal prosecution.
The group warned that failure to act decisively would amount to complicity in covering up serious crimes against animals.
