Probe on dead dogs in Penang ongoing, says vet dept

 

One animal lover lost four of her rescued dogs in one day.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s veterinary services department says it has been investigating the deaths of dozens of stray dogs in Taman Island Glades here since March 23 after receiving complaints from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).

However, director Saira Banu Rejab said no eyewitnesses had come forward and no evidence had been found that could help the department bring the matter to court.

“(However,) we are still investigating these cases,” she told FMT.

Saira said the dogs’ carcasses had been sent to the department’s veterinary laboratory in Bukit Mertajam, where further diagnostic and toxicity tests would be carried out.

“Our investigation also found that many dogs were wandering around Taman Island Glades, causing some nuisance to residents. Members of the public are advised to keep their pet dogs in their homes so they don’t end up wandering outside and run the risk of being poisoned.”

Yesterday, FMT reported that residents of Taman Island Glades had been troubled by the deaths of dozens of dogs, which they believed to have been poisoned.

The animals were found with their mouths ajar and stomachs bloated. Some residents had found the animals suffering from fits and seizures before dying. Residents claimed to have also found dead cats and birds in the neighbourhood.

Anna Chin, 67, said she first discovered four dog carcasses in the neighbourhood on March 5, before four of her own rescued dogs were found dead in a shed in her compound.

Yesterday, the city council said it had identified strategic points around the neighbourhood where CCTV cameras would be installed to detect those responsible if similar incidents were to happen in the future. - FMT