THE Veterinary Services Department (DVS) will review a memorandum received from several animal associations over a dog-shooting operation by the Besut District Council (MDB) which resulted in the killing of a stray dog named Kopi.
In a statement, DVS said it would provide updates on an ongoing investigation under the Animal Welfare Act when available.
"DVS headquarters confirms the receipt of a memorandum from several animal associations regarding this matter.
"The incident took place during an operation on Oct 6 at Kampung Raja, Paya Rawa, Pengkalan Nyireh, Air Tawar, Tanjung Demong, Gelam Mas and Jertih in Terengganu’s Besut district.
"It involved 25 MDB personnel, the Besut District Veterinary Office and the Kota Putera state legislative office," read the statement.
On Oct 13, MDB president Mohd Sukeri Ibrahim said the shooting of Kopi was carried out according to established procedures.
Animal lover groups had recently questioned if MDB carried out the operation following the AWA as well as guidelines issued by the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
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 first went viral in March after she was caught playing with a stray kitten in a five-foot way by TikTok user AbbyRaz, which was viewed over 185,000 times.
Animal-lover social media account, My Forever Doggo (MFD), said that according to the witness, Kopi was known to be the ‘big sister’ for all the cats and puppies in the area.
An online petition demanding accountability from the council has also been launched. - October 19, 2024
