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Dog & cat found dead in abandoned M'sian vet clinic, dog had gnawed through cage in escape attempt
The rescuer who first came across the scene said the vet clinic had allegedly closed about three months earlier, leaving the animals behind.
December 18, 2025, 02:02 PM
This article contains graphic images of animal suffering and abuse.
A veterinary clinic in Selangor, Malaysia is under investigation after a dog and multiple cats were found dead inside the abandoned premises, sparking widespread public outrage and calls for accountability.
Police and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) have confirmed they are probing the case following reports that animals were allegedly left behind and left to starve after the clinic ceased operations.
Animals abandoned inside clinic
The case came to light after independent animal rescuer Shima Aris shared distressing photos and videos on social media on Wednesday (Dec. 17), showing a dead dog in a cage and a dead cat in a carrier inside a veterinary clinic that appeared to have been abandoned, with the door left open and left in a filthy state.
The images and videos showed the clinic in severe disarray, according to the New Straits Times, with equipment left untouched, cages and rubbish piled haphazardly, and animal faeces scattered across multiple rooms as rescuers searched the premises.
She said two veterinarians present at the scene assessed that the animals had been dead for between seven and 10 days, based on their condition, but a third cat was found alive and rescued.
The cat has since been transferred to another veterinary clinic for treatment.
She told NST that the clinic had allegedly closed about three months earlier, leaving animals behind inside the unit.
Disturbing condition of animals
In her initial appeal for help, Shima described the scene as deeply distressing in her Instagram post.
WARNING, GRAPHIC IMAGES
In her videos, rotting food and the animals left inside the clinic can be seen swarmed with maggots, suggesting that the animals had died in prolonged suffering.
A dog had gnawed through its cage, with its head and part of its body protruding between bent cage bars in what Shima described as a desperate attempt to escape.
Another video also showed a traumatised cat, visibly unkempt and heard meowing.
“Alhamdulillah, we were able to save one cat that was trapped in there as well, alive,” she added. “But please, help be their voice even in their death. We must get justice for these poor souls.”
In comments to NST, Shima said that the clinic had left behind 14 cats and one dog after it shut down.
She alleged that 12 cats were later moved out, but two cats and a dog were left behind in the abandoned premises.
She further claimed that former staff members told her the animals were fed only once a week and had not been properly attended to for some time before being discovered.
NGO identifies clinic and calls for accountability
In an official Facebook statement, the Stray Animal Association of Malaysia (SAFM) identified the premises as Gelyga Animal Clinic, located at Damansara Damai.
Screenshot via animal.org.my/Facebook
The group said a police report was lodged last Saturday (Dec. 13) by former staff members, and that DVS had been notified.
Calling the incident a “tragic case of severe animal neglect”, SAFM urged authorities to investigate under Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772), which carries penalties of up to RM100,000 (S$31,670) in fines, imprisonment of up to three years, or both if convicted.
“This horrific act of cruelty cannot be ignored,” a SAFM spokesperson said, adding that those entrusted with animal care must be held fully accountable.
Police and DVS confirm investigations
Police have confirmed they are investigating the death of the animals found at the abandoned clinic, following reports and the circulation of images online, according to NST.
Separately, the Selangor DVS said it has also launched a probe after receiving complaints and video evidence related to the case, Free Malaysia Today reported.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any arrests have been made or whether charges will be brought, as investigations are still ongoing.
Conflicting accounts over responsibility
In subsequent social media updates, Shima shared voice notes and WhatsApp messages that she said were from Raden Fadzillah Aini binti Abdul Kadir, a veterinarian linked to the clinic.
She also shared shared that the dog’s owner, Jessie, had surrendered the dog to the vet because the vet claimed she could help find another fosterer.
In one voice message, Dr. Raden can be heard telling Jessie that the dog had passed away on Dec. 12 and it was buried by staff.
In another follow up post, voice notes by Raden said:
“Jessie, I did not kill your dog, Jessie... Please understand. I love the animals.
I gave money to Hafis to check the animals. And everyday I ask, 'How are the animals?'.
I can't go there because I will get sick, that's why I cannot go. And do you know how much I cry? Don't lah say like that.”
In the recordings and messages, the vet denied killing the dog and said she loved animals.
She claimed she had given money to a worker named Hafis to check on the animals and blamed him for failing to carry out his duties.
She also said she had not been working for several months and could not visit the clinic because she would “get sick”.
Shima disputed this account, alleging that the animals had been neglected for months and left without proper care.
She also claimed the clinic had been providing boarding services, charging RM100 (S$31.60) to RM200 (s$63) per month, with up to five cats confined in a single cage.
These claims remain allegations, and have not yet been independently verified by authorities.
Public reaction and calls for justice
The case has triggered an outpouring of anger, disgust, and horror online, with many Malaysians calling for swift justice and stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws.
Top images via shimaaris/Instagram
