KUALA LUMPUR — The legal fraternity must act in halting the cruel practice of killing stray dogs by hauling local councils which do this to court, army veterans group Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan Malaysia (Patriot) said.
The group added its voice to strong calls by various parties which have condemned the recent killing of stray dog “Kopi” by the Besut district council in Terengganu, recently.
Patriot president Lt. Col (Rtd) Datuk Zarazilah Mohd Ali said that the cruelty shown in the killing of strays is contrary to universal values and puts the country in a bad light.
Zarazilah also said that shooting, snaring and dragging away strays by local authorities are beastly and heinous acts which are against values of care and compassionbeing promoted by the government.
“(Therefore), Patriot demands that local authorities stop such beastly acts immediately. Enough is enough.
“Perhaps the legal fraternity can also play a role to help bring to speed the immediate stopping of all such cruel manifestations by hauling violating local authorities to court,” said Zarazilah in a statement.
He also suggested that the veterinary department educate local councils on how to control the stray cats and dogs population humanely as these animals can pose health problems.
Zarazilah slammed the discrimination practiced by local councils against animals, especially strays, calling it a “manifestation of extremism”.
He also took to task pet owners who failed to show care for their pets by discarding them and calling for action to be taken against them.
Additionally, he also recommended that schools should educate the children about pet care and responsibility.
The veterinary department has said it is reviewing a memorandum it received from 13 non-governmental organisations demanding action against Besut municipal officers who kill stray dogs, following the culling of “Kopi”.
The stray dog, which went viral on social media for playing with a kitten, was killed in an operation on October 6, which involved 25 officers and staff from the Besut district council, the Besut district veterinary office and the office of the Kota Putera assemblyman..
The department said it will also provide updates on its investigation into the incident being carried out under the Animal Welfare Act 2015. – October 21, 2024