Shut down: A man waking past the abandoned vet clinic in Damansara Damai, Petaling Jaya. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Seeking answers for deaths of caged animals left behind
PETALING JAYA: The Selangor Veterinary Services Department (DVS) is investigating the deaths of neglected animals at an abandoned veterinary clinic in Damansara Damai here.
This followed viral videos from inside the clinic showing the decomposing carcasses of a cat and a dog in their cages.
The Selangor DVS deployed a team of its animal welfare officers to the clinic on Wednesday after receiving a complaint.
“Based on the officers’ initial examination of the carcasses, the animals were estimated to have been dead for about one to two weeks.
“The officers have since taken possession of the carcasses and the cages for further investigation,” Selangor DVS said in a statement on Wednesday.
It added that an investigation paper had been opened and authorities were investigating the case under subsection 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
It also urged witnesses to come forward.
“DVS Selangor also stresses that a thorough and transparent investigation will be conducted without compromise or favouritism,” the department added.
Animal welfare advocates and the veterinary community have since called for firm action against the clinic.
Malaysia National Animal Welfare Foundation (MNAWF) deputy chairman Dr Amilan Sivagurunathan condemned the incident, calling it a severe breach of professional ethics that could tarnish the veterinary profession’s image.
“Having such an incident occur within a facility dedicated to the care and healing of animals tarnishes not just the image of the veterinary profession but also creates doubt and distrust within the community it serves.
“MNAWF fully supports the investigation by Selangor DVS and calls upon the Malaysian Veterinary Council to review the professional standing of the individuals involved.
“MNAWF will continue to monitor the progress of the DVS investigation to ensure that justice is served for the animals that were failed by their caregivers,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Amilan also proposed the implementation of a mandatory “Patient Transition Protocol” for veterinary facilities that cease operations to prevent such incidents.
“This will require all veterinary facilities to undergo a verified audit of animal discharges or transfers before a business licence can be officially closed,” he added.
Earlier, the Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association (MSAVA) urged the authorities, like the DVS, to conduct a proper and thorough investigation into the incident.
“MSAVA wishes to emphasise the importance of allowing the relevant authorities to conduct an investigation in accordance with existing laws and regulatory frameworks.
“It is essential that conclusions are based on verified facts and that any necessary actions are taken through the appropriate legal and professional channels,” it said in a statement.
The association also reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of veterinary professionalism, accountability and animal welfare in the country.
It added that it would continue working with regulatory bodies to safeguard public trust in the veterinary profession.
Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) founder Wani Muthiah also condemned the incident, describing the neglect as unacceptable because it allegedly occurred under the care of a veterinary professional before the clinic was abandoned.
“The DVS should suspend or even revoke the vet’s permit,” Wani said.
She said the incident highlighted systemic issues within the veterinary industry, particularly the lack of trained support staff in some clinics.
She called on the government to initiate structured training programmes or certification courses for veterinary nurses, technicians and attendants.
“This way veterinary clinics would be able to hire trained people instead of being forced to hire just about anyone to manage the animals in the clinic,” she said.
Checks by The Star yesterday at the location found a closed shoplot without a signboard.
A notice from the Selangor DVS was attached to its shutters.
