Penang’s Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has opened an investigation after a video surfaced online showing two men dragging a black dog behind a motorcycle in Batu Lancang. Independent rescuer David Yim Boon Leong, who posted the footage, lodged a formal report with the department over the incident, NST said. The case has since drawn a police report and a public statement from the Batu Lancang assemblyman.
The incident happened about 7pm on 23 September in the Taman Hijau area. The footage shows a pillion rider pulling the black dog along the tarmac by a rope tied around its neck, with visible injuries to its limbs, according to The Star. The video circulated after Yim posted it, and drew rapid responses from local rescuers and elected representatives.
A woman who witnessed the scene shouted at the men and urged them to stop, but they allegedly continued before leaving the area. Yim said the dog is believed to have suffered serious injuries, and that the two men and the motorcycle later disappeared from the area. The woman later handed him photographs and video recordings of the incident.
Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong said he was alerted to the footage Yim posted online. He instructed his special assistant to lodge a police report at the Jelutong police station at about 11pm on Wednesday, he said in a statement on 24 September. “I hope the police will conduct a swift investigation to identify those responsible and take strict legal action if animal cruelty offences are proven,” he said.
The Rakyat Post reported a similar case in Penang in July 2023, when a stray dog was beaten to death after it was struck by a motorcycle. Cruelty offences fall under Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which carries a fine of RM20,000 to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, on conviction.
Penang DVS director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab confirmed the department received the report and said the case is being investigated under animal welfare laws. “We are investigating the incident,” she said. “We are currently gathering all relevant evidence and will provide an update once the investigation is complete.”
Yim urged the authorities to investigate and take swift action if animal cruelty was established. Ong called on eyewitnesses or anyone with information to contact the authorities, and said Yim has also reached out to the woman who witnessed the incident. The current condition and whereabouts of the dog remain unknown.
