GEORGE TOWN: The number of animal cruelty cases involving cats and dogs is on the rise in the state, says Penang Veterinary Services Department director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab.
According to her, there were a total of 82 cases of dog abuse and welfare-related issues reported in 2019, 86 in 2020, and 98 in 2021.
The figure jumped nearly three-fold to 253 last year, she added.
She said as of July 10, the department had received 146 such reports this year.
Dr Saira said animal cruelty cases involving cats are also on the rise, from 31 cases in 2021 to 134 cases last year.
“We also receive abuse reports of other animals such as rabbits, goats, cows, horses and hamsters,” she added.
A video showing two men hitting a dog has been making the rounds on social media recently.
It was reported that the black mongrel was bludgeoned to death after a motorcyclist hit it and fell onto the road.
Yesterday, police detained three men to assist in investigations pertaining to the incident.
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said the suspects, aged between 40 and 53, would be remanded until tomorrow.
He said the trio – a cargo agent, a fisherman and a bus driver – were picked up in the Batu Maung area.
“All of them do not have prior criminal records. They also tested negative for drugs,” he said in a statement, adding the case was being investigated under Section 29(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, in which those found guilty could be fined up to RM100,000, jailed for a maximum of three years, or both.
He said those convicted could also be further charged with Section 233 of the Multimedia Communications Act 1998, which carries a one-year imprisonment or a fine of RM50,000, or both.
Penang Island City Council stray and abandoned dogs sub-committee chairman Connie Tan, who condemned the act, urged the public with information on the incident to contact police or the local council.
MCA spokesperson Saw Yee Fung said public education is needed to tackle cases of animal abuse.
She has called for higher allocations for the Veterinary Services Department or local authorities to set up dog pounds.
