GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has fined the owner of a dog involved in an animal attack at Pearl Hill in Tanjung Bungah RM250 and cancelled the pet's licence.
The council said the owner was compounded under the Municipal Council of Penang Island (Dogs) By-Laws 1977, and the dog had not been released to him.
ALSO READ: No clear offence for dog fight under Animal Welfare Act, says DVS
"We have cancelled the owner's dog licence and compounded him RM250.
"The owner told us that someone else took the dog for a walk during the day of the incident.
"We have not released the dog back to the owner and have advised him to make a police report," it said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 1).
On Saturday (Aug 29), a video showing a dog – described online as a pit bull – attacking and biting another dog at Pearl Hill went viral on social media.
ALSO READ: MBPP urged to probe viral video of pit bull attacking stray dog in Tanjung Bungah
The footage sparked public concern, with the public questioning the circumstances surrounding the attack and urging action against the dog owner.
MBPP subsequently seized the dog and the case was referred to the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) for investigation under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
However, DVS said there were no clear provisions for an offence under the Act in the matter of dogs fighting.
