27-12-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A dog met a tragic end after allegedly being shot with an arrow by a farm worker in Selama, Perak, on 22 December. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from animal welfare advocates and calls for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws.
The Malaysian Animal Strays Foundation (SAFM) reports that the dog, known locally as Kutty, suffered severe injuries and subsequently died after reportedly straying into another lane at the farm. SAFM President R Kalaivanan expressed deep concern over the incident, labelling it a clear violation of the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
“This horrific act flies in the face of basic human decency and stands in direct contravention of our animal welfare laws,” Kalaivanan stated. “We are urgently seeking witnesses to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.”
The organisation has called for a two-pronged approach to justice, encouraging witnesses to file reports both with local police stations and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS). Kalaivanan emphasised that eyewitness accounts would be crucial in building a strong case against the perpetrator.
Under Section 30 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, perpetrators of animal cruelty face severe penalties, including fines of up to RM100,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. However, SAFM argues that despite these provisions, animal cruelty remains persistently high in Malaysia.
“Despite numerous awareness campaigns, we continue to witness shocking acts of cruelty against defenceless animals,” Kalaivanan noted. “The time has come to not only strengthen our legislative framework but also ensure more rigorous enforcement of existing laws.”
The incident has reignited debates about the effectiveness of current animal protection measures and the need for more comprehensive enforcement mechanisms. Animal welfare advocates are calling for a thorough investigation into this case, hoping it will serve as a catalyst for stronger action against animal cruelty in Malaysia.
