File police report if Pearl Hill dog attack was encouraged, says Penang vet dept

 The department says police can investigate allegations that the dog was prompted to attack another animal.

Screenshots of a viral video showing a man’s dog attacking a stray at Pearl Hill, and the injured animal after it was rescued.

PETALING JAYA:

Those who believe the dog involved in a fight with another animal at Pearl Hill in Tanjung Bungah, Penang, was encouraged by its owner to attack should lodge a police report, the state veterinary services department said today.

The department said it had reviewed the complaint and video footage submitted and determined that the incident involved a fight between two dogs.

It said no provision under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 clearly makes owners liable for their animals’ involvement in a fight or for failing to intervene.

However, it said action could be taken under Section 8 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 if a person was found to have encouraged or prompted a dog or other animal to attack, alarm or frighten another person or animal.

“If there are allegations or evidence that someone encouraged or prompted an animal to attack, the public is advised to lodge a police report,” it said in a statement.

It said this would allow the police to investigate and take appropriate action if an offence had been committed.

The department said it took all animal welfare complaints seriously and would act based on the facts, evidence and relevant provisions of the Animal Welfare Act.

A recent viral video showed a large dog, described online as a pit bull, attacking a smaller white stray dog at Pearl Hill while a man appeared to be holding its leash.

The Penang Island City Council seized the dog after receiving a complaint and referred the matter to the veterinary services department for further action.

The stray dog, known to locals as Tim, was taken to a veterinary clinic for treatment. - FMT