Around 50 stray and pet dogs were allegedly poisoned in Kajang’s Sungai Chua Industrial Area, prompting a police report and renewed animal welfare concerns.
THE ISSUE of animal cruelty in Malaysia remains prevalent despite public outcry and official statements from members of the royal family. The death of a dog named Rocky in Port Klang on July 29 became an issue too significant to ignore, highlighting longstanding concerns over stray animal management and local enforcement.
More recently, around 50 dogs were allegedly poisoned in an industrial area in Kajang, triggering outrage among the local community, who are calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) member Kwan Say Hong said in a Facebook post that a local business owner was offering a RM1,000 reward for anyone with evidence that could identify the person responsible for the alleged poisoning in the Sungai Chua Industrial Area.
The incident is believed to have taken place in early July and involved approximately 50 dogs, including stray dogs and pet dogs owned by local business operators, which allegedly consumed food laced with poison.
“There is no denying that the issue of stray dogs causing public safety and hygiene concerns remains one of the most common complaints received by MPKj and many other local authorities (PBTs).
“Even so, no one should take the law into their own hands. There is no excuse that can justify any form of animal cruelty,” he said.
Later on, a meeting was held with local business owners, workers, animal welfare organisations and security personnel from the industrial area to discuss measures to control the stray dog population, promote responsible pet ownership, and raise awareness among business owners and workers.
The case has been reported by the local business owners to the police and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772), offences related to animal cruelty, including poisoning animals, carry a penalty of a fine of not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM100,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.
