Kitten killing spree, animal groups demand investigation asap

SHAH ALAM - The recent spree of kitten killings here has sparked widespread condemnation.

Despite laws against such acts, bringing perpetrators to justice remains a challenge due to a shortage of witnesses.

Advocates are calling for a united front to tackle animal cruelty more effectively.

Malaysia Animal Association president Arie Dwi Andika expressed deep concern over the incident.

"This is not just madness; it's a clear indication of lost humanity.

"We refer to these incidents as spree killings, a term denoting the taking of multiple lives, in this case, kittens, in a single event.

"It's a harsh reality we're facing," he told Sinar Daily when contacted today.

Andika pointed out that while Malaysian law does address such crimes, the main hurdle is the general public's hesitance to step forward as witnesses in cases involving animals.

"This reluctance is a major hindrance.

"Without witnesses, it's impossible to initiate legal proceedings.

"We need credible witnesses to identify the culprits," he said.

He further stressed that enforcement agencies could take effective legal action with enough public cooperation.

"The lack of public cooperation is disheartening and is obstructing our fight against animal cruelty in Malaysia.

"We need a joint effort, more openness, and a willingness to share information.

"Unfortunately, the fear or hesitance in participating in legal matters is a significant barrier that we need to overcome," Andika added.

Meanwhile, the Stray Animal Foundation Malaysia (SAFM) president Kalaivanan Ravichandran appealed for any eyewitnesses to report the incident to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

"We urge the authorities to initiate an immediate investigation.

"Such a heinous act, killing 15 cats intentionally, is a grave offense under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 Section 30, punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to RM100,000," he said.

Kalaivanan also suggested that such acts of animal cruelty stem from a lack of education and compassion for animals.

"Committing such acts indicates not only a lack of humanity but could escalate to even more serious crimes.

"The public must realise that all animals in Malaysia are legally protected, and no one has the right to harm them.

"We hope for stricter Malaysian laws and more efficient investigations by the DVS and other authorities.

"Animal lives deserve the same respect as human lives," he added.

In a recent development, the Malaysian Animal Association announced a RM5,000 reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible for drowning 15 kittens at the Jerantut Wholesale Market. The non-governmental organisation highlighted this incident in a Facebook statement, noting a local resident first reported it.

"To prevent such tragic events from recurring, it's imperative that justice is served.

"We encourage anyone with information about the individuals or groups involved to contact Malaysia Animal Crime Transparency – MyAct at www.wasap.my/+60105394749," the statement read.