PETALING JAYA: There are growing calls for accountability and justice over the killing of 18 stray dogs on the campus of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), says Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (Peka).
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) said animal activists, students and members of the public are expected to gather tomorrow at UPM.
It had earlier announced plans to stage a protest yesterday after its vice-president Dr Kartini Farah Rahim lodged a report at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters earlier this week.
Peka president and lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan said the protest, having drawn more support, would be held at UPM’s main gate and serve as a call for immediate action from the university and the Veterinary Services Department (DVS).
“Some of the students will be joining as well to show their support against animal cruelty but they will be wearing masks to protect their identity,” he said.
He claimed that students and staff were told not to issue any statements related to the matter.
The NGO wants UPM to apologise to Malaysians, and introduce humane and transparent animal management protocols.
It also called for the university to hold a dialogue with students, NGOs and DVS.
On Tuesday, Kartini said the Animal Welfare Act strictly prohibits the shooting of dogs without special permission.
“In particular, Section 30 forbids the use of firearms to kill animals.
“We urge the police to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter,” she added.
She claimed that the university’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration office had instructed the killings, carried out by a contractor.
“UPM should stand as a role model for all institutions in upholding openness and ethical conduct,” she said.
In a statement issued on Oct 4, UPM said it had formed a committee to investigate Peka’s claims that dogs and puppies were killed on its campus.
The university said it takes feedback on its stray management seriously and that all actions related to animal management “are carried out in a manner that is responsible, ethical and compliant with rules and guidelines by the authorities”.
