After killing of 'Kopi', NGOs want moratorium on lethal methods

Seven NGOs from Sarawak and Sabah are calling for a moratorium on lethal methods to control the stray population of dogs, which they said should be replaced with humane approaches.

Their call comes in the wake of the shooting of a stray dog, called “Kopi”, in Besut, Terengganu, which courted public backlash.

The NGOs also called for a full investigation into the killing and for those responsible to face the consequences.

However, Besut District Council (MDB) president Mohd Sukeri Ibrahim told Bernama that the shooting of Kopi, which ignited an uproar on social media, followed standard operating procedures.

He also refuted claims that council workers abandoned the dog after it was shot, claiming that some individuals prevented his team from retrieving the body.

A video of the stray dog playing gently with a stray kitten had previously gone viral on social media.

In a statement, the NGOs said: “Across many religious traditions, the treatment of animals is a reflection of our society’s character. Whether Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, or other faiths, a benchmark of kindness toward animals is the standard moral duty.”

The Borneo Post reported the NGOs saying that taking the life of an innocent, vulnerable, homeless dog is not only a breach of ethical conduct but also a blatant rejection of the compassionate values taught by all religions.

Reform or remove

The NGOs also urged for urgent reform of all local councils’ animal management strategies, prioritising trapping, neutering, and rehabilitation, in collaboration with animal welfare organisations.

They said a clear mandate must be given to specialised animal welfare bodies like the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

Furthermore, the groups pointed out that since local councils lack the expertise and knowledge concerning animal welfare, this should be removed from their jurisdiction.

The NGOs also wanted the public, religious bodies, community leaders, lawmakers, and government officials to come together to call for an immediate halt to such “barbaric practices”.

“Please come forward in solidarity to stop these brazen cold-blooded killings and put those accountable to task,” they added.

The statement was inked by the Humane Animal Society Sarawak (HASS), Geng Pusak Jalanan Sarawak (GPJS), Save Our Strays Kuching (SOS), Street Animal Rescuers Association Bintulu (Sara), Zero Strays Miri, Sibu Animal Rescue Society, and Independent Aid for Protection and Welfare for Animals Sabah (IAPWA Sabah).

Meanwhile, the MDB president also said the law allowed the use of firearms in specific cases during operations to manage or remove dangerous or wild animals.

“The regulation allows for any licensed or unlicensed dog, whose owner cannot be found, to be removed or handled as instructed by the council president or an authorised officer,” Sukeri said. - Mkini