SHAH ALAM: A thorough, fair and impartial investigation will be conducted into the recent death of a dog during a stray-catching operation in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang.
The assurance was given by the Selangor Veterinary Services Department (DVS) following several complaints lodged through the MyAnimalWelfare system.
The complaints, the department said, were lodged on July 30 over a viral video showing a group of individuals tying a rope around a dog’s neck and dragging it away while a woman pleaded for the animal to be released.
DVS added that on July 31, its animal welfare team received the carcass of a male dog, believed to be the animal shown in the viral video, from a local woman, together with an orange ice box.
The team subsequently lodged a police report to facilitate further investigations.
“The investigation team summoned the suspect and witnesses on Aug 1 to record their statements under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
“The case is being investigated under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which carries a fine of not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both,” the statement said.
On Saturday, the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, expressed sadness, disappointment and anger over recent incidents of cruelty involving pets and stray animals, particularly dogs and cats, that have gone viral.
Istana Alam Shah said Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin had urged the Federal Government to review the penalties under the Animal Welfare Act to ensure harsher punishment for those convicted of animal cruelty and more consistent enforcement.
