Probe Rocky’s death independently, don’t blame owner, says Santiago

 Former Klang MP Charles Santiago says labelling the owner 'aggressive' distracts from the main issue of the dog’s death during an enforcement operation.

A pet dog named Rocky died during an enforcement operation in Port Klang on Wednesday night, with the Klang City Council saying a woman had behaved aggressively during the operation.

PETALING JAYA:

Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has criticised the Klang City Council for attempting to justify the death of a pet dog named Rocky by portraying its owner as “aggressive”, saying the move deflected attention from the real issue.

Responding to the council’s explanation yesterday of the dog’s death during an enforcement operation in Port Klang on Wednesday night, Santiago said it was “callous” and “absurd” to criticise Rocky’s owner.

He said anyone who witnessed an animal being choked, beaten, and dying in front of them would naturally attempt to intervene.

“Calling her ‘aggressive’ shifts attention away from the real issue: that a dog died cruelly while in the custody of enforcement officers, as its caretaker pleaded for mercy,” he said.

“Instead of addressing the conduct of those involved, the council has chosen to vilify the very person who tried to save a life.”

Santiago called for an independent investigation, transparency regarding the actions of the enforcement officers involved, and meaningful consequences if wrongdoing was found.

“Every attempt to deflect responsibility will only deepen public outrage and further erode confidence in the council’s ability to carry out its duties humanely,” he said.

A Harian Metro report quoted the council as defending its officers’ actions, saying Rocky’s owner had acted aggressively by attempting to cut the noose used to restrain the dog and threatening to harm herself if it was not released.

The council said the commotion made it difficult for officers to loosen the rope, and confirmed that Rocky died during the incident.

Separately, lawyer Vivek Sukumaran said the incident should be viewed as a warning sign of a growing culture of mob violence.

Vivek, who chairs the Bar Council’s criminal law committee, said footage of the incident circulating online should concern all Malaysians.

A crowd willing to beat a frightened animal to death showed that people had developed a tendency to respond to grievances through collective violence, he said, adding that such behaviour could extend beyond animals.

“We have already seen it directed at people. Suspected thieves have been beaten by crowds before police could arrive. Crowds have gathered outside police stations to issue ultimatums to investigators. A society that normalises mob action against animals is training the mob for everything else,” he said in a statement issued in his personal capacity.

Vivek said animal cruelty was an offence punishable by a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, regardless of whether an animal was licensed.

He said killing or maiming an animal could amount to mischief under the Penal Code, while those responsible could face additional charges if the owner’s allegation that she was assaulted and restrained was proven.

Vivek urged police to investigate both Rocky’s death and the alleged assault on its owner.

He also called on the council to publicly clarify its officers’ role in the incident and suspend those involved pending an independent inquiry. - FMT