SHAH ALAM, Aug 1 - Police have opened an investigation paper under the Penal Code following the death of a dog in an incident at Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang, which was captured in a video that went viral on social media.
Klang Selatan district police chief Asst Comm Lim Jit Huey said the incident occurred at about 10.50pm on July 29 during a stray dog-catching operation carried out by the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) with the assistance of residents from the housing area.
He noted that the circulated footage showed a group of men tying and pulling a dog, while a woman was seen pleading for the animal to be released.
“The dog was confirmed dead after the incident, before it was sent to the Selangor Veterinary Department headquarters for a post-mortem examination,” he said in a statement today.
Lim said the case is being investigated under Section 428 of the Penal Code for mischief by killing an animal.
“The offence carries a punishment of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine or both upon conviction.”
He advised the public not to continue sharing the video footage of the incident on social media as it could cause concern among the local community.
Earlier, MBDK said it had fully handed over the matter to police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to the council, the stray dog-catching operation was carried out from 8.30pm to midnight following official complaints from residents regarding safety concerns caused by the increasing number of stray dogs in the area.
It said the enforcement operation was conducted in accordance with By-Law 17(1) of the Dog Licensing and Dog Breeding (MPK) By-Laws 2007, with the support of the Health, Community and Sustainable Development Committee (JKKPM).
It added that the area’s councillor was also informed of the operation.
MBDK claimed that one of the individuals at the scene acted aggressively by attempting to cut the loop leash using a knife and threatening to harm himself if the dog was not released.
Following the incident, the local authority lodged a police report over allegations of obstructing public officers in carrying out their duties and threats involving a sharp weapon, to enable further action under the relevant laws.
Meanwhile, MBDK expressed regret over the incident and stressed that it remained committed to carrying out enforcement operations professionally, responsibly and in compliance with animal welfare standards.
