Over 16,000 animal welfare and abuse complaints resolved since 2021, DVS says

THE Department of Veterinary Services has confirmed that 16,394 animal welfare and abuse complaints were resolved between 2021 and 2025, with enforcement carried out continuously in accordance with existing legal provisions.

In a statement issued today, the department said claims that an increase in reported cases was due to lax enforcement were inaccurate.

“The number of complaints received reflects a high level of awareness and knowledge among the Malaysian public regarding the appropriate channels and methods for lodging animal welfare complaints,” it said.

During the period, a total of 19,303 complaints were received, comprising 16,340 cases under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and 2,963 complaints that fell outside the scope of the Act.

Based on substantiated complaints, the department said 43 cases were successfully prosecuted and convicted in court, with fines totalling RM445,400 imposed on offenders.

It added that all animal welfare and abuse complaints are formally received through the MyAnimalWelfare system before being forwarded to state-level field officers for inspection and enforcement action.

“Complaints involving serious abuse that threatens life are acted upon within 24 hours, while cases involving neglect are handled within three working days,” the statement said.

The department also explained that a Standard Operating Procedure on Animal Welfare Complaints has been developed as a reference framework to ensure enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 is carried out efficiently and effectively.

“MyAnimalWelfare plays an important role in managing animal welfare complaints, including centralised digital record-keeping, automatic complaint routing and monitoring the status of each case,” it said.

The department added that it maintains ongoing cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police and local authorities in line with the National Animal Welfare Strategic Plan 2021–2030 to strengthen animal welfare and well-being nationwide.

The Department of Veterinary Services advised the public to refer directly to the department for accurate and verified information on animal welfare complaints and urged against making or spreading speculation that could mislead the public. - December 24, 2025