Dewan Rakyat erupts over local council’s killing of stray dogs

 

A stray dog named Kopi became an internet sensation for playing with a cat. He was later killed in a municipal operation.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat turned chaotic today when two MPs clashed over the killing of stray dogs in Besut, Terengganu, where municipal officers are alleged to have used inhumane methods against strays.

Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) defended the district council, saying the officers had followed procedures when culling strays. However, Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) immediately interjected, accusing the Besut MP of misleading the house.

Chong cited the Animal Welfare Act 2015 section which makes it an offence to cruelly beat, kick, overload, torture or terrify any animal.

The Besut district council has been under fire after a stray dog named Kopi was killed during an operation on Oct 6. The incident is currently being investigated by the veterinary services department.

The Besut action was raised by RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) during the debate on the 2025 budget estimates.

Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh.

Che Mohamad rose to defend the municipal officers, stating that they were simply following standard procedures.

“In fact, there have been many complaints about stray dogs in Besut. There are 800 stray dogs and 131 complaints regarding them,” Che Mohamad said. “It is justified, as these stray animals have a negative impact. They pose health risks, threaten the public, and also pollute the area with their waste,” he added.

After Chong interjected, Che Mohamad asked Chong to sit down, accusing him of interrupting his debate. “Listen carefully, we followed procedures. You are the one who doesn’t understand,” Che Mohamad said.

Chong Zhemin.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul then directed both MPs to sit down before allowing Che Mohamad to conclude his debate.

Earlier this month, the veterinary services department announced it would review a memorandum from 13 NGOs demanding action against municipal officers who kill stray dogs, following the culling of Kopi.

The NGOs, led by the Global Human Rights Federation, claim that municipal officers often resorted to inhumane practices, including beating dogs with iron rods and dragging them by the neck.

In the memorandum addressed to veterinary services director Dr. Akma Nga Hamid, they called on the department to enforce the Animal Welfare Act and take action against officers violating the law.

Kopi became an internet sensation in March when he was pictured playing with a stray cat. - FMT