RM10,000 reward for info on dog poisoning in Penang

 

Residents observing a minute’s silence at Jalan Lembah Permai, Tanjung Bungah, Penang, in remembrance of the poisoned dogs today.

GEORGE TOWN: 

An anonymous donor has offered RM10,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for a spate of dog poisonings in Tanjung Bungah.

Over the past few weeks, more than 20 dogs, including a pet husky, were suspected of having been poisoned, particularly around Lembah Permai in Tanjung Bungah.

At a candlelight vigil attended by over 100 residents and pet owners today, volunteer dog feeder Linda Yong urged anyone with leads on the matter to contact the International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) Penang or the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).

These animals are like family to me. Each dog has a unique personality and they brought joy to those who knew and cared for them,

 said Yong in a heartfelt vigil outside Mira Residences.

Linda Yong.

This vigil is to mourn their loss and raise awareness about the cruelty that took them from us.

Yong called on the Penang government to establish a department of veterinary services (DVS) branch on the island, saying it is difficult to transport carcasses to the DVS laboratory 30km away on the mainland.

DVS requires owners to do this when there is a request to check why their pets died.

Under the Animal Welfare Act, it is their job to pick up tortured or poisoned animals when reported, not ours,

 Yong said.

Meanwhile, Tanjung Bungah Residents’ Association deputy president Agnes James asked the Penang government to provide forensic evidence supporting their claim that no poison traces have been found.

We need transparency and accountability to ensure the safety of our pets and community,

 she said.

The DVS said it had found no carcasses or food samples to test during investigations.

Residents Sarah Lim, 52, and Sim LGS, 53, called for patrols to apprehend those placing poison in the area.

N Sharmila recounted an incident four years ago when a resident found poisoned chicken liver placed around the suburb.

She said the 

quick-thinking resident

 picked up the meat and disposed of it.

Her 11-year-old niece visiting from Kuala Lumpur, Divyaa Nair, expressed her shock at the husky’s death and said she was concerned about her dogs safety.

I dread this is happening in our neighbourhood. Hearing about this is very depressing,

 she said. - FMT