IPOH: Concern for the welfare of stray animals and reasonable questioning of government policy effectiveness were the only motivations behind his social media posts, says animal activist Joseff Hoo.
“The data and cases cited in my posts are sourced and verifiable, and are not 'defamatory' or 'fabricated'.
“The claim that I spread 'extreme statements', 'hatred' or 'misused photos and names' is a serious distortion of the facts.
“My posts have a clear purpose to promote improvements in stray animal management, not to attack any individual or organisation,” he said when contacted.
He was responding to a police report lodged by the state housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng, against the activist for social media allegations claiming the state government and Ipoh City Council acted cruelly towards street dogs.
He added that stray animal management does face challenges in terms of resources and systems.
“Accusing me of undermining cooperation actually obscures the complexity of the problem and may mislead the public about the current situation of stray animals,” he added.
Citing a statistic, he claimed that from 2024–2025, a total of 6,338 stray dogs were captured, of which 986 were adopted or claimed via the Veterinary Department.
He added that the public has the right to know whether the remaining dogs were euthanised and the costs involved, especially when compared to the more humane TNR (Trap-Neuter-Rehome or Release) approach.
“The Feeder Mapping App is used to manage stray dog feeders, yet citizens are advised not to feed stray dogs.
“Such contradictions can confuse the public and undermine trust in the policy,” he claimed.
He also claimed that three large pits had been dug in Ipoh, allegedly for burying stray dogs, questioning whether this indicated a pre-set target.
He added that freedom of speech allows citizens to question policies and expressed willingness to cooperate through dialogue, while awaiting contact from the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
