A man linked to the death of a pet dog named Rocky has spoken out over public backlash and death threats, saying a viral video of the incident fuelled online attacks against him and his family.
Muhammad Shah Hizam, 24, said he had been living under pressure since videos of the dog-catching operation in Klang went viral, exposing his identity and leading to threats online. He held a press conference in Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam, on 13 August to address the accusations, TheRakyatPost reported.
“I don’t support animal cruelty, let alone have any intention of hurting or killing it,” Shah said, as quoted by Harian Metro.
Shah denied joining the operation with the intention of harming any animal. He said he was acting as a residents’ representative after receiving a written invitation from the Rukun Tetangga (KRT) Jalan Sama Gagah to assist the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) enforcement team on 29 July.
The Klang Royal City Council defended its officers, saying the pet dog’s owner had behaved aggressively during the operation. According to Malaysiakini, the council said the woman acted aggressively by attempting to cut the noose used to restrain the dog.
“I did not go there that night with the intention of hurting, let alone killing, any animal,” he said during the #JusticeForShah press conference, which was also streamed live on activist Firdaus Wong’s Facebook page.
Lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali said all participants were briefed by MBDK officers and shown how to carry out the capture. He said the neck loop used to restrain Rocky was MBDK equipment, not Shah’s personal property.
Rafique said the situation turned chaotic after a woman identifying herself as Rocky’s owner intervened. “There was a tug-of-war at the time while the loop was still around Rocky’s neck. The situation became tense and extremely chaotic,” he said.
Rafique said 12 dogs were captured during the operation, with Rocky the only animal that died.
The lawyer also disputed the authenticity of a viral X-ray image purportedly showing Rocky’s spine, saying his team was informed the image was fake. His team is now documenting online comments containing threats and defamatory remarks against Shah.
“We will not hesitate to initiate civil legal action, including defamation suits against individuals or portals that provoke and tarnish Shah’s name,” Rafique said.
Rocky died during the enforcement operation at Taman Telok Gedong Indah, Klang, on 29 July. Police are investigating the case under Section 428 of the Penal Code for mischief by killing an animal. The Selangor veterinary services department is probing the matter for animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
