HUNDREDS of men allegedly gathered outside a home, tied a rope around a street dog’s neck, choked him and beat him to death. The family pleaded with them to stop as they had cared for Rocky since he was a puppy. This was not an accident. This was a deliberate, brutal killing.
The family reportedly tried desperately to save Rocky. At one point, they took a knife and attempted to cut the rope, but were told to put it away. Imagine being forced to watch your beloved animal being killed while being prevented from saving him!
The family called the police. But instead of investigating the alleged killing, they were reportedly told that nothing could be done because Rocky did not have a licence. A lack of licence does not give anyone the right to torture and kill an animal.
This is an appalling failure of justice. The authorities must investigate the men involved, identify those responsible and hold them accountable. Every person who participated in this horrific act must be investigated and not simply dismissed because the victim was a dog.
And the police response must also be questioned. If the reported account is accurate, refusing to act because Rocky was unlicensed is completely unacceptable. The law must protect animals from cruelty, and the police have a responsibility to investigate allegations of violence. And not turn victims away.
Rocky deserved better. His family deserved better. And Malaysians deserve to know that animal cruelty will not be ignored. We demand justice for Rocky and accountability for every person involved in his killing. – July 31, 2026
Charles Santiago is former Klang MP