KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Veterinary Services Department says its officers acted according to the law when investigating repeated complaints over nominated assemblyman Datuk Roger Chin’s terminally ill dog.
Sabah DVS director Dr Zul Bahar said the department has a statutory duty to investigate complaints under the Animal Welfare Enactment 2015.
He said enforcement officers act on evidence provided by complainants and witnesses, while veterinary officers may provide clinical input as expert witnesses.
“Repeated visits may occur when multiple complaints are received,” he said in a statement on Monday (May 11).
Dr Zul was responding to Chin’s Facebook posts over the handling of his family’s 16-year-old dog, Ugly, which had cancer.
Chin had said Ugly underwent chemotherapy, surgery and heartworm treatment, but the family continued to face cruelty complaints for allegedly failing to cure the dog.
He also claimed the family felt pressured by enforcement action and possible prosecution, including fines of up to RM75,000, before Ugly was euthanised on April 16.
Chin said the family believed the decision may have come prematurely.
“Ugly was loved, never neglected. We cannot accept that the only way to resolve the situation was to put him down,” he had said.
Dr Zul acknowledged that enforcement may appear heavy-handed in sensitive cases, especially where terminal illness is involved.
He said such cases required a balance between enforcement, clear communication, veterinary input and compassion.
On euthanasia, he said any decision supported by a qualified veterinary practitioner and agreed to by the animal’s owner would generally indicate that it was made in the animal’s best interest, based on its clinical condition and welfare.
“We take public concerns seriously. While actions were carried out in accordance with the law, we acknowledge the importance of balancing enforcement with clear communication and appropriate veterinary input,” he said.
Dr Zul added that Sabah DVS welcomed constructive feedback to improve its standard operating procedures and service delivery while carrying out its animal welfare duties professionally, fairly and sensitively.
