“Animal cruelty cannot become a trend”: Investigate UPM dog killings, authorities told

AN MCA leader has called for an immediate investigation into the recent alleged shooting of stray dogs at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Calling the incident “deeply troubling”, its Youth wing’s secretary-general Saw Yee Fung stressed that acts of animal cruelty, particularly on university grounds, have no place in a civilised and compassionate society.

“With such incidents appearing more frequently within institutions of higher learning where young minds are trained and expected to gain knowledge to contribute towards the betterment of society, we must take a clear stand to prevent cruelty from becoming a dangerous and desensitising trend,” she said.

“When animal activist groups claimed that UPM killed dogs and puppies on its campus, the university’s response failed to provide the reassurance that both students and the public expected.”

In a statement dated Sept 29, environmental group Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (Peka) lodged a police report over the alleged killing of 18 dogs and five puppies on UPM campus grounds.

The group alleged that UPM had engaged a Sentul-based service company to “kill” dogs at a rate of RM400 per animal.

It also raised the possibility that firearms were used without proper licences, which would constitute further offences under the Arms Act 1960 and Firearms Act 1971.

In response, UPM announced the formation of an internal committee to investigate the claim, saying it aimed to “maintain balance” between campus safety and animal welfare while protecting the university’s reputation.

“However, such statements do little to comfort those who seek accountability. The act of killing animals cannot be justified as maintaining balance; it is an ethical breach that must be taken seriously,” Saw noted.

“The newly-formed committee’s probe must therefore be transparent, impartial, and open to public scrutiny. Universities are not only centres of knowledge but also examples of social responsibility.

“By resorting to inhumane methods such as culling, especially through the use of firearms, they send a chilling and wrong message to students about problem-solving, empathy, and respect for life.”

Saw reiterated that there are more effective and humane alternatives available such as trap-neuter-release programmes, collaboration with animal welfare groups, and structured campus adoption initiatives.

She said animal cruelty also raises serious concerns about campus safety and mental wellbeing.

“These acts of violence could cause distress among students, especially those living on campus. Universities should foster safe and compassionate environments that reflect the values of humanity, not fear or disregard for life,” she continued.

“As highlighted by Peka, Section 30 of the Animal Welfare Act strictly prohibits the use of firearms to kill animals without special permission.

“The Veterinary Services Department and law enforcement authorities must conduct a full investigation into the alleged killings. Cruelty must never be tolerated or justified in the name of safety.

“Upholding compassion is not only a reflection of good governance, but also of who we are as a Malaysian society.” ‒  Focus Malaysia