KUALA LUMPUR – Four animal activists have filed a lawsuit against the Besut District Council (MDB) and the Terengganu state government over the death of a dog named ‘Kopi,’ that was shot and killed by local authorities in October.
The plaintiffs – Dr. Kartini Farah Abdul Rahim, S. Mukunnan, Hong Hai San and Stray Dogs and Cats Welfare Association president Shashi Kumar, filed the case on Dec 10 at the Kuala Terengganu High Court, with Raj & Sach law firm representing them. The MDB and the Terengganu government have been named as the first and second defendants.
In documents obtained by the media, the plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that the shooting of ‘Kopi’ violated the Animal Welfare Act 2015, specifically Sections 29(e) and 30(1), which prohibit the use of firearms on animals.
They argue that such actions are only allowed in emergency situations or for disease control, with veterinary authorisation.
In addition, the plaintiffs are challenging the validity of certain provisions in the Besut District Council’s Dog Licencing By-laws, claiming they contradict the Animal Welfare Act.
At a press conference held today at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex, Rajesh Nagarajan, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, announced that the hearing of the case has been set for Jan 15, 2025, before High Court Judge Datuk Hassan Abdul Ghani in Kuala Terengganu.
The controversy began on Oct 13, when MDB president Mohd Sukeri Ibrahim defended the council’s actions, stating that the disposal of the stray dog ‘Kopi’ was in line with procedures and denying claims that the dog was abandoned after being killed.
The case gained further attention when a 52-second video surfaced on the My Forever Doggo (MFD) Facebook page, showing ‘Kopi’ lying lifeless after sustaining serious injuries. The video, shared widely, showed a local resident discovering the dog’s body after hearing gunshots.
The video has sparked outrage among animal lovers, igniting a nationwide debate on animal rights and justice for ‘Kopi.’ Many are now calling for accountability and demanding change in how animals are treated by authorities.
This case has not only raised concerns about the treatment of animals but also sparked a broader conversation on the need for stronger protections and greater compassion for animals in Malaysia. – December 16, 2026