Killing of stray dog Kopi by Terengganu council must be fully investigated, say East M’sian NGOs

KUCHING (Oct 14): Seven non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from Sarawak and Sabah have called for a full investigation into the circumstances leading to a Terengganu council’s shooting of a stray dog named Kopi, with those responsible held accountable.

The Humane Animal Society Sarawak (HASS), Geng Pusak Jalanan Sarawak (GPJS), Save Our Strays Kuching (SOS), Street Animal Rescuers Association Bintulu (Sara), Zero Strays Miri, Sibu Animal Rescue Society, and Independent Aid for Protection and Welfare for Animals Sabah (IAPWA Sabah) called the recent shooting “not only a violation of humane principles but also a flagrant affront to the moral and religious values of a civilised society”.

“Across many religious traditions, the treatment of animals is a reflection of our society’s character. Whether Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, or other faiths, a benchmark of kindness toward animals is the standard moral duty,” the NGOs said in a joint statement today.

The statement was issued after the Besut District Council (MBD) was reported to have shot dead Kopi.

A video of the stray dog playing gently with a stray kitten had previously gone viral on social media.

The NGOs pointed out that all faiths hold similar teachings, advocating the protection and care of animals as part of the moral responsibility of humanity.

According to the NGOs, the act of taking the life of an innocent, vulnerable homeless dog is not only a breach of ethical conduct but also a blatant rejection of the compassionate values taught by all religions.

“By killing ‘Kopi’ or any homeless dog for that matter, the local councils have turned their backs on these sacred teachings. They have instead chosen violence over compassion and continue to perpetuate a cycle of violence towards animals.

“It is ironic and perverse that local councils, which are supposed to safeguard both human and animal welfare, often become the very institutions that erode public trust,” said the NGOs.

Besides a full probe, the organisations said an immediate moratorium on lethal methods of stray population control must be replaced by humane approaches consistent with ethical principles.

They also called for urgent reform of all local councils’ animal management strategies, prioritising trapping, neutering, and rehabilitation, in collaboration with animal welfare organisations.

According to the NGOs, a clear mandate must be given to specialised animal welfare bodies like the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

The NGOs asserted that enforcement of animal welfare should be removed from local councils due to lack of expertise and knowledge where animal welfare is just one of many competing responsibilities.

They reminded the public, religious bodies, community leaders, lawmakers, and government officials of their collective ethical responsibility to demand an immediate halt of such “barbaric practices”.

“Please come forward in solidarity to stop these brazen cold-blooded killings and put those accountable to task,” added the NGOs.

They also appealed to all to contact @lawyersforanimalrightsmalaysia with any details or videos to help more to bear witness to Kopi’s fatal shooting.

Malay Mail reported that The My Forever Doggo (MFD) Facebook page had shared a 52-second video showing Kopi succumbing to severe injuries.

The dog was found by a resident in a nearby housing area after the sound of gunshots was heard.

On Sept 6, 2024, 25 personnel from MDB, the district veterinary office, and the Kota Putera state legislative assembly office conducted a joint operation in Jerteh to address the issue of stray dogs.

MBD president Mohd Sukeri Ibrahim said the action was taken following public complaints about a pack of stray dogs near the Bank Simpanan Nasional Jerteh branch, where the dogs had grown aggressive and were harassing pedestrians.