A wave of outrage has swept across Malaysia following the alleged brutal killing of a pet dog named Rocky in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor, on Wednesday night (29 July).
In a viral Instagram post by @kavitha_mahalingam05, Rocky was allegedly attacked by a group of local men at approximately 10.50 PM. The dog was reportedly beaten, restrained with a rope, and dragged despite desperate pleas from its owner to let it go.
Rocky breathed its last in front of the owner
The post claimed that the owner arrived only after Rocky had already been caught and was struggling with the tightening restraint. Despite multiple pleas for Rocky’s safe return, it allegedly remained trapped until it stopped moving and died before the owner’s eyes.
The post also claimed that the men were not officers from the local council, although they allegedly justified their actions by claiming Rocky had bitten others.
In a statement on Thursday night, animal welfare group Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) said it has been assisting Rocky’s owner since 30 July. Acting on the organisation’s advice, Rocky’s body has been preserved as evidence. It is being prepared for submission to the Selangor Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) for a veterinary examination to document injuries and determine the cause of death.
Rocky’s owner allegedly beaten with wooden stick
SAFM also claimed that the owner was allegedly struck several times on her right arm with a wooden stick while trying to save Rocky.
SAFM has called on the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to investigate everyone involved, urged DVS Selangor to open an investigation under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, and demanded that the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) explain the presence of its officers at the scene after witnesses claimed two council personnel were there while Rocky was still being restrained.
“The issue of a dog licence is a separate matter. It does not give anyone the right to beat, strangle, drag, or cause the death of an animal.”
“Rocky didn’t deserve this. Justice for Rocky.”
PDRM and MBDK respond
In a report by China Press, South Klang District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Lim Jit Huey confirmed that the police had received a report regarding the incident and that investigations are ongoing.
He urged all parties to give the police the space needed to carry out their investigation.
Owner’s police report
However, MBDK claimed that the dog’s owner kept pulling on the noose, causing it to tighten. As a result, the dog catcher was unable to loosen the noose, which ultimately led to the dog’s death.
