IPOH: After the heart-wrenching tale of Kopi, the stray dog that was shot dead in Jerteh during a dog-culling operation, there is dismay over the killing of a dog guarding an oil palm estate in Selama near here.
“Kutty” had been faithfully watching over at the guard-post and keeping intruders out.
The dog paid the price with its life when an annoyed man, at whom Kutty had been barking, shot it with an arrow in the wee hours of Sunday.
As was the case with the Kopi incident, Kutty’s killing has understandably sparked rage on social media, with animal welfare groups and ordinary people condemning the act.
The 44-year-old dog killer was caught and taken in by police the same day before being produced in court, but the strong condemnations on social media has not abated.
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Stray Animal Feeders of Malaysia (SAFM) president R. Kalaivanan described Kutty’s killing as senseless and cruel and “one that cannot be tolerated”.
“The killing of Kutty in such a manner challenges the very principles of humanity,” he said, adding that the incident clearly violated the law under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
“SAFM calls on anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward to provide evidence and assist in the investigation, and to also lodge a report.
“Animal cruelty is still rampant despite various awareness campaigns.
“It is time to strengthen the law and ensure stricter and more effective enforcement,” he added.
Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals president Ricky Soong said repeated cases of animal shootings have led to people losing hope and confidence in animal protection laws.
“After the case of Kopi, now it is the turn of Kutty.
“There appears to be no end to such sad incidents. We hope the government will pay more attention to this problem. Cooperation with NGOs will be a good start,” he added.
Selama OCPD Supt Sarudin Samah said the suspect, who works as a clerk in an adjacent estate, told police that Kutty barked at him every time he passed by.
On the day of the incident, he said the man was on his way home after attending a wedding dinner with his family when the dog started chasing his car.
Supt Sarudin said police acted after a report was lodged on the incident by a security guard who worked at the oil palm estate.
Meanwhile, acting Perak police chief Deputy Comm Zulkafli Sariaat said in a statement yesterday that Kutty died at the site after the arrow was pulled out from its body.
He said in his report, the security guard stated that Kutty belonged to the estate.
“The dog bled after the arrow pierced its body,” said DCP Zulkafli. He said a bow and five arrows were seized from the man who was arrested.
DCP Zulkafli reminded that it was an offence to harm animals.
“If there are incidences that involves animal disturbances, the public can contact the local authorities or Veterinary Services Department for further action,” he added.
In October, the Kuala Terengganu City Council shot dead Kopi, a beloved stray dog that had captured the hearts of many on social media for her playful interactions with a stray kitten, sparking an outburst.
