BUTTERWORTH – Lawyers for Animal Rights are demanding that the perpetrators of the wanton killing of stray dogs found at Tg Bungah beach and Sg Kelian be brought to justice.
Founder Rajesh Nagarajan who expressed shock over the incident said that it was the highest form of cruelty and the dogs had obviously been killed and dumped on the beach and into the river.
“It is untenable for police and Veterinary Department to just wash their hands.
“These killings must be investigated, and the perpetrators must be found and brought to justice,” he said when commenting on media reports that many dead dogs are being found on Tg Bungah beach.
This raised concerns among the locals that someone is wantonly killing strays in the area.
A group of concerned citizens said the dogs found washed up on the beach were free from physical injuries, indicating the likelihood of poisoning.
Last month alone, fishermen and beach workers found 15 dogs, with some saying they found at least three carcasses a day.
Rajesh said the public must demand justice.
“Government agencies such as police and the Veterinary Department must carry out their duties diligently or have their non-actions be subjected to judicial scrutiny.
“They must be aware that their inaction is a form of nonfeasance that is against their fiduciary duties,” he added.
The lawyer is representing 12 animal rights groups in a suit against the Kulim Municipal Council over alleged animal cruelty following the killing of a stray dog in public in July.
The plaintiffs commenced an action for justice stating that the council’s dog unit personnel have failed to observe the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in killing the animal.
The Kulim Municipal Council is the first defendant, while the Kedah government has been named the second defendant in the suit.
Rajesh is also fighting a case at the Seremban high court, demanding a declaration from the Wildlife and National Parks Department that the shooting of dusky leaf monkeys in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan, in June was an illegal act. – The Vibes, August 28, 2021
