DVS reports over 16,000 animal welfare complaints resolved under Act 772, with 43 successful prosecutions and a RM445,400 total fine
PUTRAJAYA: Animal welfare enforcement in Malaysia is conducted continuously under the law and monitored via a structured complaints management system.
The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) stated this in response to a recent media report alleging insufficient enforcement against animal cruelty.
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DVS clarified the report was inaccurate, providing official data from 2021 to 2025.
The department received 19,303 complaints in that period, with 16,340 falling under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
A total of 16,394 complaints have been resolved, reflecting high public awareness of reporting channels.
Based on substantiated complaints, 43 cases were successfully prosecuted in court.
Offenders were fined a total of RM445,400 during the same timeframe.
All complaints are officially received through the MyAnimalWelfare System online platform.
This system records complaints digitally and directs them to field officers based on incident location.
“MyAnimalWelfare plays an important role in the management of animal welfare complaints,” said DVS.
The system provides direct feedback to complainants for transparent case tracking.
Complaints involving serious, life-threatening abuse are acted upon within 24 hours.
Neglect complaints are handled within three working days.
DVS has developed Animal Welfare Standing Procedures as a standard reference for enforcement officers.
This ensures enforcement under Act 772 is implemented efficiently and effectively.
Strategic collaboration with the police and local authorities is ongoing.
This aligns with the National Animal Welfare Strategic Plan 2021–2030.
To foster long-term awareness, DVS collaborated with the Ministry of Education’s Preschool Sector.
They developed an Animal Welfare Resource Pack @ Preschool for young students.
The pack aims to cultivate compassion, empathy and responsible animal ownership.
DVS recommends the public contact the department directly for accurate information.
This ensures authentic details on animal welfare complaints and avoids misunderstanding.
