IPOH: A coalition of nine animal welfare non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from Perak has called for all local authorities in the country to stop shooting and killing stray dogs.
In a joint statement, the coalition said the well-being and welfare of strays should be prioritised and protected, as stated in the Animal Welfare Act.
"The Act not only protects the welfare of pets, but also stray animals.
"We hope such incidents (of shooting stray dogs) will never occur again," it said in the statement Sunday (Oct 20).
The statement was made in response to the killing of Kopi, a stray dog that was shot dead during an operation by the Besut District Council in Terengganu on Oct 6.
A police report on the incident was also lodged by Kelab Kesedaran dan Kekejaman Haiwan Peliharaan Ipoh chairman G. Jefrey Parama at the Ipoh police headquarters on behalf of the coalition.
The other NGOs in the coalition include Mutts and Mittens, Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Papan Souls, Noah's Ark Ipoh, Pertubuhan Penyelamat dan Perlindungan Haiwan Jalan Larut dan Matang Perak, Perak Gimmehope Animal Welfare Association, Gopeng Animal Lovers Association and Pertubuhan Pencinta dan Perlindungan Haiwan Jalanan Batu Gajah.
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation's Kampar chairman Henry Choong was also present in support of the coalition.
Kopi became a celebrity of sorts after a video of the dog playing with a kitten was uploaded by a feeder on TikTok in March this year.
Its death has sparked anger and outcry on social media.
It was also reported that the operation carried out by the district council was in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Besut District Council president Mohd Sukeri Ibrahim had said that the operation was jointly carried out with the Veterinary Department and Kota Putera assemblyman's office in response to complaints about a pack of aggressive stray dogs.
The coalition said they hoped stern action would be taken against those involved in the killing of Kopi.
"We strongly condemn the cruel act, which violated the Animal Welfare Act.
"The killing of Kopi is against human values and compassion that should be shown to all living beings," it said.
"We demand that investigations be carried out transparently and comprehensively and for legal action to be taken against those involved.
"We also want to emphasise that justice for Kopi is also justice for all other stray animals in the country," it added.
