PETALING JAYA: An animal welfare group is calling for justice after a pet dog was allegedly beaten, strangled and dragged to its death by a group of men in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang.
Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) alleged that the incident involving a dog named Rocky occurred at 10.50pm on Wednesday (July 29).
It said neighbours witnessed the incident while Rocky's owner arrived only after the dog had been placed in a noose.
"The owner pleaded for Rocky to be released and returned to him, but he was ignored.
"Rocky remained in the noose until he stopped moving and eventually died in front of his owner," the group said in a statement on Friday (July 31).
SAFM also alleged that the owner was assaulted while trying to save the dog.
It claimed he was struck several times on his right arm with a piece of wood while another man restrained him from getting to his dog.
The group also alleged that two officers from the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) were present while Rocky was being strangled.
"MBDK must explain why the act was not stopped immediately," it said.
SAFM said it had been helping the owner since the incident and advised that Rocky's body be preserved as evidence before being handed over to the Selangor Veterinary Services Department (DVS) for an examination to document the injuries and determine the cause of death.
It urged the police to investigate all those involved, called on the DVS to open an investigation under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, and asked MBDK to conduct an internal investigation and provide an official explanation.
"The issue of a dog licence is a separate matter. It does not give anyone the right to beat, strangle, drag, or cause the death of an animal.
"Cruelty towards animals is not enforcement.
"Rocky should not have died this way," the statement read.
