In a statement today, SAFM alleged that Rocky was beaten, strangled with a cable or wire, and dragged before dying in front of his owner during the incident at about 10.50pm on July 29.
PETALING JAYA: The Stray Animal Foundation Malaysia (SAFM) has called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the alleged abuse and killing of a pet dog named Rocky in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang, urging the police, the Selangor Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Royal Klang City Council (MBDK) to take swift legal action against those responsible.
In a statement today, SAFM alleged that Rocky was beaten, strangled with a cable or wire, and dragged before dying in front of his owner during the incident at about 10.50pm on July 29.
The association said eyewitnesses claimed the dog was first beaten before being restrained by a group of local men. It alleged that Rocky’s neck was then tightened with a cable or wire and that he was dragged while being restrained.
According to SAFM, Rocky’s owner arrived after the dog had already been restrained and was in distress. The association alleged that despite repeatedly pleading for the dog to be released, the requests were ignored until Rocky stopped moving and died. It also claimed the owner was assaulted while attempting to intervene.
SAFM further questioned the alleged presence of two MBDK enforcement officers at the scene during the incident.
SAFM president Kalaivanan Ravichandran said the allegations raised serious questions over the actions of those present, particularly the local authority officers.
“According to witnesses, Rocky was beaten before he was captured. His owner arrived when Rocky was already being strangled and suffering, yet despite repeatedly pleading for the restraint to be removed, Rocky was allegedly left to suffer until he died before his owner’s eyes.
“More seriously, two MBDK officers were reportedly present while the incident was taking place.
“MBDK must explain the actions of its officers, why the alleged abuse was not stopped, whether the operation was carried out following an official complaint, who authorised the capture, and what procedures were followed,” he said.
Kalaivanan stressed that animal capture should never involve beating, strangling or dragging an animal to the point of suffering or death.
“SAFM demands a thorough investigation and firm legal action against everyone responsible. Rocky should never have died this way,” he said.
The association said it has been assisting Rocky’s owner since receiving the complaint on July 30 by reviewing video evidence, witness accounts and the police report, while guiding him through the reporting process.
It added that Rocky’s body has been preserved as evidence and will be handed over to the Selangor DVS for a veterinary examination to determine the cause of death and document any injuries.
Among its demands, SAFM urged the police to identify and investigate all individuals allegedly involved in the incident, called on the Selangor DVS to investigate the case under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, and urged MBDK to conduct an internal investigation and issue a public explanation.
The association also called for all relevant evidence, including CCTV footage, video recordings, complaint logs and witness statements, to be preserved.
SAFM stressed that any issue relating to dog licensing, if applicable, should be addressed through lawful enforcement procedures and not acts of cruelty. It added that it would continue assisting Rocky’s owner while monitoring the investigations until the matter is fully resolved.
MBDK, the police and the Selangor DVS had not publicly responded to SAFM’s allegations at the time of writing.
