Animal welfare activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has described the death of a dog named Rocky in Port Klang as a reflection of a “failed and inhumane system” in dealing with animal welfare.
Lee said reports alleging that Rocky was handled aggressively during a dog-catching operation, resulting in the animal’s death in full view of traumatised members of the public, had sparked widespread sadness and anger.
He questioned how many more cases of animal cruelty would have to occur before authorities took meaningful action.
“How can anyone justify this? How can we remain silent while living, breathing creatures that are part of our families and communities are subjected to heartbreaking violence in the name of a routine operation?” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Lee, Rocky’s death was not simply an isolated operational mistake but a symptom of deeper systemic failures caused by a lack of empathy, good governance and moral responsibility.
“We blame protocols, bureaucracy and administrative shortcomings, while failing to address the real issue — our lack of compassion, accountability and moral courage,” he said.
Lee stressed that when enforcement operations result in scenes of violence and death, no technical explanation or bureaucratic excuse could ease public concern.
He said standard operating procedures (SOPs) should exist not only to maintain order but also to protect animal welfare, adding that compassion should be regarded as a fundamental value of a civilised society rather than an optional principle.
Lee urged that Rocky’s death should lead to meaningful reforms instead of being remembered as another tragic incident.
Among the measures he proposed was the nationwide implementation of the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) programme to replace what he described as the outdated and ineffective “catch-and-kill” approach to managing stray animals.
He also called on local councils across Malaysia to make TNVR a mandatory policy while working closely with recognised animal welfare organisations and local veterinary networks to humanely manage stray animal populations.
In addition, Lee proposed standardising humane animal capture techniques by banning the use of wire snares, choke loops and other violent restraint equipment.
He said all enforcement personnel and third-party contractors involved in animal control should undergo mandatory certified training in humane animal handling under the supervision of the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
Lee further recommended prohibiting the seizure of animals from private property without written legal notice and consultation with owners, as well as establishing independent oversight committees within every local authority.
According to him, these committees should include animal welfare advocates, veterinary professionals and legal representatives to review public complaints, investigate operational misconduct and ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
He also urged the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Royal Klang City Council (MBDK) to conduct a swift, transparent and comprehensive investigation into Rocky’s death.
“The public deserves answers, and Rocky deserves justice,” he said.
Lee added that anyone found to have violated animal welfare laws or neglected their duty of care should be held fully accountable under the law.
He warned that unless society embraces empathy, strong institutional accountability and respect for all living beings, the failure would not only lie within the system but also reflect on humanity as a whole.
