An animal welfare group has called on the authorities to investigate the alleged torture and killing of a pet dog in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang. Free Malaysia Today reported that Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia president Kalaivanan Ravichandran said the dog, named Rocky, was allegedly beaten by a group of men before being captured on Wednesday night.
The men tied a rope around Rocky’s neck and dragged the animal, resulting in its death, despite the owner’s pleas for its release. WeirdKaya reported that the alleged incident took place on 29 July, after the group reportedly claimed the animal had bitten a child.
Kalaivanan said Rocky’s owner arrived at the scene as the dog was being dragged by the rope. A video recording of the incident showed the owner repeatedly pleading for the noose around the dog’s neck to be removed. He said the owner was struck several times on her right arm with a wooden stick while another man restrained her from reaching Rocky.
Two Klang City Council officers were reportedly present at the scene. Kalaivanan questioned their role, saying the council must explain why its officers did not stop what was happening and whether the group acted with the knowledge or instructions of the officers.
Klang Selatan police confirmed a report had been lodged and an investigation was under way. FMT reported that Rocky’s body has been preserved as evidence and will be handed over to the Selangor Department of Veterinary Services for examination.
Politicians have spoken out on the case. Syerleena Abdul Rashid, the Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera, issued a statement saying there was nothing Islamic about cruelty and nothing honourable about torturing a defenceless animal. She called on the authorities to conduct a swift, transparent and independent investigation.
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago described the incident as an appalling failure of justice, writing that every person who participated in the killing must be investigated and not simply dismissed because the victim was a dog.
Both lawmakers rejected attempts to justify the act. Syerleena said those who attempt to justify the killing by invoking religion do a grave disservice to Islam, while Santiago wrote that a lack of licence does not give anyone the right to torture and kill an animal.
The incident has reignited debate about vigilantism and the treatment of animals in Malaysia. Stray Animal Foundation Malaysia, which is assisting Rocky’s owner, said it was reviewing video evidence, witness accounts and the police report while guiding the owner through the reporting process.
