The Stray Animal Feeders of Malaysia (SAFM) has raised serious concerns following the shooting of a dog named Kopi by the Besut District Council (MDB), asserting that Kopi was not a stray but was under the care of a dedicated feeder. This incident has sparked a debate regarding the council’s adherence to animal welfare laws.
SAFM emphasized that, according to the Animal Welfare Act 2015, individuals who regularly provide care and sustenance to an animal are legally considered its owners. “We would like to stress that Kopi was not a stray dog. He had a feeder who consistently provided him with food every day,” the group stated in a press release. They reiterated, “Under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, anyone who feeds an animal is regarded as the owner of that animal.”
The organization pointed out that Kopi had shown no signs of dangerous behavior, raising questions about the MDB’s justification for shooting the dog. According to Section 30(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, the use of firearms against animals is permitted only in emergencies or for disease control.
“This tragedy has caused deep sorrow for those who cared for and loved Kopi. The dog was never reported to pose a danger to anyone or disturb the local community,” the group remarked. They described Kopi as a gentle animal, friendly to both humans and other animals, including cats. “Therefore, we ask, what justification is there for the decision to shoot Kopi?” SAFM questioned.
Following media reports on October 13, the Terengganu Veterinary Services Department (JPV) initiated an investigation into the incident. However, SAFM noted discrepancies in the situation, stating that MDB claimed the operation was conducted in collaboration with both JPV and the Besut District Veterinary Office. “If the JPV is investigating the incident, why were they involved in the dog-catching operation? There is a contradiction in the statements that needs clarification for the public,” the group remarked.
SAFM also referenced a statement from former Agriculture Minister Datuk Salahuddin Ayub in 2019, which emphasized that firearms should only be used as a last resort, particularly in cases involving rabies or direct threats to human safety. In Kopi’s situation, the organization highlighted that there were no reports of rabies or any immediate danger.
“Local authorities across Malaysia often receive complaints about stray dogs. However, every action taken must be based on humane methods, not by shooting innocent animals. We would like to know what humane steps MDB took before making the drastic decision to shoot Kopi. Were there efforts to use other methods such as tranquilizers or safe capture?” the group added.
SAFM and several other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are now calling for transparency and a comprehensive investigation into the management of stray animals. Nearly 20,000 people have signed a petition demanding justice for Kopi, and over 65 complaints have been lodged with JPV.
To ensure accountability, SAFM announced plans to file a police report alongside various NGOs to pursue the matter further.
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