KOTA KINABALU: Several dog carcasses were found in separate locations around Semporna over the past week, showing signs of beating and with ropes still tied to their necks.
This has caused an uproar among animal lovers, with some questioning the lack of action taken against the perpetrators.
Among them is veterinarian Dr Randolf Paza, an avid stray rescuer, who is calling for justice for these animals and urging the authorities not to look away.
He shared several posts and even a video allegedly showing some men pulling a dog with a rope tied to its neck while seemingly beating its head repeatedly.
"What is going on with people? What have these innocent animals done to deserve such cruelty?" he asked.
"A police report has been lodged, but why has no action been taken yet?" Paza asked.
He said acts of hurting animals are punishable under the law, and it is the duty of the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Many animal lovers also condemned the actions, calling them cruel and inhumane.
Semporna OCPD Supt Mohd Sabri Zainol said they have received a report on these alleged incidents, but the matter has been handed over to the veterinary department for further action as the cases fall under their jurisdiction.
According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, people should always report any cases of animal cruelty to the authorities.
As per their Facebook page, such actions are punishable under the Sabah Animal Welfare Enactment 2015, where offenders could face up to a maximum fine of RM100,000 or three years jail or both.
One is considered breaking the law if they beat, kick, torture, or terrify any animal, do not provide enough food or water for pets, do not provide shelter from the sun and rain, kill a dog or cat for food, do not provide veterinary treatment for disease, wound, or injury, keep an animal in a small cage or on a short leash, or abandon a puppy, kitten, or any animal causing suffering from starvation, illness, or injury, among other things.
Efforts to contact the Tawau Veterinary Department are ongoing.
There are not many animal cruelty cases which see justice served in Sabah, mainly due to lack of evidence and actions from the authorities.
