PETALING JAYA: The controversy surrounding the death of Rocky the dog in Port Klang has intensified, with calls for accountability growing as authorities review the circumstances surrounding the dog-capture operation.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state government would continue addressing stray animal concerns while ensuring enforcement actions are carried out with compassion and restraint.
“We have been taking continuous action because ultimately, the government must act in the public interest.
"Enforcement must therefore be carried out with restraint, and that is the balance we need to strike,” he said.
Amirudin said claims that local authorities only acted after public pressure over animal welfare concerns were inaccurate, stressing that stray animal issues had previously been raised in the Selangor state assembly.
The Malaysia National Animal Welfare Foundation (MNAWF) called for a full and transparent investigation into Rocky’s death, saying enforcement operations must not compromise humane animal handling.
MNAWF chairman Datuk Dr Mohd Nordin Mohd Nor said public safety and animal welfare should not be viewed as competing priorities.
“The death of Rocky under such horrific circumstances is heart-wrenching and unacceptable. Enforcement operations must never compromise basic principles of humane animal handling,” he said.
Separately, MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong welcomed Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin’s call for accountability over Rocky’s death, saying enforcement authorities must ensure animal-related operations are conducted professionally and humanely.
He said compliance with licensing laws did not justify acts of cruelty against animals.
“The by-law does not authorise an unlicensed dog to be strangled, dragged or beaten to death during a capture operation,” he said.
Neow also questioned claims that Rocky was involved in an alleged biting incident, saying animals should not be condemned based on assumptions or social media speculation.
