M'sian police investigating after video of men fatally abusing & beating a dog goes viral

A group of men in Klang, Malaysia, were caught on camera after allegedly beating a dog to death, despite pleas from the owner.

Taking to Instagram, the owner of the dog, Rocky, shared that she had begged the men to leave the dog alone.

"As his owner, the only thing I was able to do at that moment was beg them. I begged them so many times to leave Rocky alone, but they still didn't stop. Even after my mum shouted at them and begged them to leave him, they still didn't let him go," she wrote on Instagram.

She added that Rocky had never bitten anyone and they had never received any complaints about him.

"We genuinely don't understand why this happened or why they decided to kill him."

Beaten and captured

According to the animal welfare group, Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM), Rocky was allegedly beaten, captured, strangled using a cable/wire and dragged by a group of local men on Jul. 29.

Witnesses shared that Rocky was beaten before being captured and strangled.

When Rocky's owner arrived, the dog was already in a noose.

SAFM added that while trying to save Rocky, its owner was reportedly struck several times on her right arm with a wooden stick. Another man apparently grabbed her arm to stop her from reaching Rocky.

SAFM pointed out that two officers from the Royal City Council of Klang were present at the scene, and questioned their presence.

A stray dog capture operation

In a statement on Facebook, the South Klang Police chief said the incident took place during a stray dog capture operation conducted by the Royal City Council of Klang with the assistance of residents from the housing estates.

The police added that it has opened an investigation under Section 428 of the Penal Code for the offence of committing mischief by killing an animal.

Complaints regarding safety concerns

The Royal City Council of Klang (MBDK) shared on Facebook that it was carrying out the operation following official complaints from residents about safety concerns due to a large number of stray dogs in the area.

It added that the surrounding area previously experienced stray dog attacks, with one incident nearly killing a child.

MBDK stated that during the operation, a group of individuals obstructed MBDK personnel attempting to capture a dog found roaming unattended on a public road.

It claimed an individual acted aggressively by attempting to cut the loop rope with a knife and threatened to harm themselves if the dog was not released.

"The ensuing struggle and scuffle made it difficult for MBDK officers to loosen and remove the loop equipmen tin order to safeguard the animal's welfare, resulting in the animal's death," said MBDK.

"MBDK expresses its regret over the incident and remains committed to carrying out enforcement duties professionally, prudently, and in compliance with recognised animal welfare standards.

MBDK also urges all pet owners to act responsibly by ensuring that their pets' licences remain valid and by not allowing their animals to roam freely in a manner that endangers public safety."

The organisation said that it has left the investigation entirely to the police.

The queen consort of the Sultan of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin, who is the Royal Patron of the Stray Free Selangor initiative, expressed her sadness over the incident and added that the public's trust in public institutions can only be strengthened if public servants act with professionalism.