The Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, has called for firm legal action against any local authority members or officers found guilty of cruelty towards animals.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, who serves as royal patron of the Stray Free Selangor campaign under the Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, expressed deep concern and disappointment over several recent cases involving cruelty towards pets and stray animals, particularly cats and dogs.
In a statement shared by the Selangor Royal Office on Facebook, Her Royal Highness stressed that animal cruelty is not only a violation of the law but also reflects a lack of compassion, which is an important value in a civilised society.
She said no form of cruelty should be accepted or tolerated regardless of the individual’s position, background, organisation or reason given for the action.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin emphasised that the law must apply equally to everyone, including individuals, companies, organisations and government agencies, adding that no party should be considered above legal accountability.
She called for any person, including local authority officers or members, suspected of committing animal cruelty to undergo a thorough investigation and face appropriate legal proceedings.
Her Royal Highness also highlighted that public confidence in enforcement agencies can only be maintained when their duties are carried out professionally, with integrity and compassion, rather than through unnecessary violence or actions that cause suffering.
She urged closer cooperation between the government, local authorities, animal welfare organisations and the public to develop a more humane approach towards animal protection.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin also called on the federal government to review penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 to ensure stronger punishments for animal cruelty offences and more consistent enforcement.
She said the way society treats animals reflects its values, adding that a community that fails to protect vulnerable creatures risks losing its sense of compassion towards fellow human beings.
Her statement came after Klang City Council responded to public criticism over the death of a pet dog named Rocky in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang.
The council previously said its officers were dealing with a tense situation after the dog’s owner allegedly attempted to cut the rope used to restrain the animal and threatened to harm herself if the dog was not released.
According to the council, the situation made it difficult for officers to remove the restraint, resulting in Rocky’s death at about 10.50pm on Wednesday.
Klang Selatan police chief Lim Jit Huey said the incident is being investigated under Section 428 of the Penal Code for causing mischief by killing an animal, which carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
