The Penang Veterinary Services Department and police have opened an investigation after a dog was filmed being dragged behind a motorcycle in Batu Lancang, George Town. The incident happened around 7pm on 23 September 2026 in the Taman Hijau area and ended only after a passerby stepped in, according to The Star.
Video of the case shows two men on a motorcycle, with the pillion rider pulling the black dog along the tarmac by a rope tied around its neck. The animal suffered visible injuries to its limbs during the ordeal. The clip was posted online by local animal rescuer David Yim Boon Leong and drew widespread attention before the authorities acted.
Penang DVS director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab confirmed that the department had received a report and that an investigation was under way under animal welfare laws, FMT reported. “We are currently gathering all relevant evidence and will provide an update once the investigation is complete,” she said. “Penang DVS is carrying out further investigations into the incident.”
A woman who witnessed the incident confronted the two men and asked them to stop, but they allegedly continued before leaving the area, Yim said. She later lodged a report with the DVS and handed over photographs and videos believed to show the case. The black dog is believed to have suffered serious injuries and was left at the scene. Its current condition and whereabouts are unknown.
Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong said he was alerted to the video and instructed his special assistant to lodge a police report at the Jelutong police station at about 11pm on 23 September. He said Yim had also filed a formal complaint with the DVS and reached out to the eyewitness. “I hope the police will conduct a swift investigation to identify those responsible and take strict legal action if animal cruelty offences are proven,” Ong said. He urged eyewitnesses or anyone with information to contact the authorities.
Yim said he hoped the authorities would carry out a thorough investigation and take appropriate action if there were elements of animal cruelty involved.
