UNIVERSITI Putra Malaysia (UPM) has suspended the Director of its Occupational Safety and Health Management Office (PPKKP) with immediate effect following the recent killing stray dogs that went viral.
UPM said the action was taken to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation by the police and the Veterinary Services Department.
According to a statement, the university also expressed regret and apologized for the incident that occurred at the end of last year.
“UPM appreciates the community’s concern for animal welfare and reiterates its commitment to ensuring that every animal management action is carried out prudently, ethically and in compliance with current regulations,” it said.
UPM added that all animal handling activities on campus have also been temporarily suspended until a new, more comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) is developed.
The new SOP will emphasise a balance between human safety, animal welfare and compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
UPM will also hold several engagement sessions with stakeholders in an effort to develop procedures and devise the best sustainable approaches.
“UPM is committed to upholding the aspirations of a healthy planet by integrating animal welfare, human safety and environmental conservation as the university’s main agenda,” it said.
Earlier, the police opened an investigation on allegations that UPM hired a company to kill dogs around the area.
Following the incident, an internal investigation committee was established to investigate a viral incident regarding the management of animals on campus. - October 14, 2025
