Animal abuse caused by emotional disorders, says expert

SHAH ALAM - The act of causing injuries and abusing animals is believed to be due to emotional disorders that have been suppressed for a long time.

Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) psychologist Dr Zhooriyati Sehu Mohamad said individuals who harbour negative thoughts and emotions will look for alternatives to release them.

"If this matter continues without control, the individual may act to hurt humans or animals in due time as a result of psychological disorders and behavioural disorders.

"Even worse if the perpetrators feel satisfied after killing without mercy and proud of themselves for committing such acts," she said when contacted by Sinar Harian.

Zhooriyati added that latent negative emotions are silent killers in a person's life.

"The attitude of harbouring feelings for various reasons will lead to things that are not good and unexpected.

"Therefore, sharing and expressing our emotions through the right channels is encouraged.

"For example, in Malaysia, we can connect with Befrienders and other channels that provide 24-hour counselling services," she added.

It was reported recently that a landlord made a gruesome discovery of animal carcasses littering a condominium unit in Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Cheras, rented to a local man in his 30s on March 11.

The tenant was alleged to have a morbid hobby of killing animals, primarily cats.

The discovery came to light when residents at the said condominium complained of foul stench from the unit.