KUALA LUMPUR – The Section Five Petaling Jaya Residents’ Association (RA) has announced it will submit a formal report to the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) against a dog owner following repeated incidents, including a recent attack on resident Derek Fernandez’s pets by a Great Dane.
In a statement responding to media and public queries, the RA “categorically denies” social media claims accusing Fernandez of animal abuse, saying the viral post “Please Help This Dog Get Justice” misrepresented the situation.
“The RA fully stands behind Mr. Derek Fernandez, a well-known animal lover in our community,” the statement said.
“His actions were a defensive measure taken to protect his own pets from an imminent threat, not an act of gratuitous violence as portrayed online,” it added.
The association noted that the neighbourhood, home to many dog owners, adheres to pet ownership guidelines in line with the Licensing of Dogs (Petaling Jaya City Council) By-Laws 2007 and Section 289 of the Penal Code.
Residents had long expressed concerns about the dog owner’s “habitual practice of allowing his dogs to roam unleashed while following behind in a vehicle,” leading to repeated disturbances and confrontations with other pets.
The RA also cited a previous incident involving the same Great Dane, which reportedly entered a resident’s compound through an open gate and attacked a leashed pet.
“Despite repeated advisories from affected residents, the behaviour has persisted,” the statement read.
Many residents initially hesitated to lodge formal complaints over fears the dog could face euthanasia. However, the RA said repeated breaches of local bylaws and ongoing safety risks have made action unavoidable.
“Effective immediately, the RA will be submitting a formal report to MBPJ and will urge that appropriate enforcement action be taken against the dog owner for repeated noncompliance,” the statement said.
The association also called for mandatory professional behavioural training for the dog and supported relocating the animal from the residential area if rehabilitation fails.
“The safety and well-being of all residents, human and animal alike, remain our highest priority,” the RA said, urging the public not to spread unverified claims online and to allow due process to take place.
The dispute stems from an incident early Monday at Fernandez’s home. He reported that the Great Dane entered his property around 12.20am, attacked his smaller mixed-breed dogs, and damaged his gate. Fernandez said he intervened using a stick to defend his pets until the dog’s owner arrived to remove the animal.
The case gained widespread attention after photos of the injured Great Dane circulated online, prompting accusations of animal abuse against Fernandez. – May 9, 2026