The Selangor Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has assured that its investigation into the death of a dog during a stray dog-catching operation in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang, will be carried out thoroughly, fairly and without bias.
In a statement, Selangor DVS said it received multiple complaints through the MyAnimalWelfare system at about 9.25pm on July 30 following the circulation of a viral video showing several individuals allegedly tying and pulling a dog by its neck, while a woman was heard pleading for the animal to be released.
The department said preliminary investigations found that the incident took place at about 10.50pm on July 29 during a community stray dog-catching operation conducted by the Royal Klang City Council (MBDK) together with residents in the Taman Teluk Gedung Indah area.
Selangor DVS said the operation was carried out as an initial step by the local authority to manage the increasing stray dog population and address concerns related to public safety and welfare.
The department added that its Animal Welfare Team received the carcass of a male dog, believed to be the same animal shown in the viral video, at about 11am on July 31 from a member of the public who handed it over in an orange ice box.
Following the discovery, Selangor DVS lodged a police report to allow further investigations into the incident.
The investigation team has since called in the suspect and witnesses on Aug 1 to have their statements recorded under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Act 593).
The case is being investigated under Subsection 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772), which carries a penalty of a fine between RM20,000 and RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both upon conviction.
The investigation comes after Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, expressed disappointment and concern over recent cases involving alleged cruelty towards pets and stray animals that gained public attention.
Istana Alam Shah said Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin also called on the Federal Government to review penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 to ensure stricter punishments and more effective enforcement against animal cruelty.
