LETTER | CAP urges action against poisoning of stray animals

LETTER | The Consumer’s Association of Penang (CAP) is deeply concerned by alarming social media reports about incidents of poisoned stray dogs found dead in the Tanjung Bungah neighbourhood in Penang.

Last year, there were 29 instances of dog poisoning in Island Glades, leading to the deaths of 29 dogs. Additionally, five deceased dogs were found in Brown Garden, Gelugor, under similar circumstances.

The recent case of dog poisoning in Tanjung Bungah suggests that a serial dog killer may be at large once again.

Animals, especially strays, are often subjected to volatile human behaviour, ranging from dunking cats in paint, dyeing dogs’ fur, abusing cats, and poisoning dogs en masse in neighbourhoods.

This abuse continues with local authorities mistreating animals during the forced removal of strays from the streets.

Nowadays, social media is filled with reports of mistreatment and poisoning of stray animals, often causing distress and anger among animal lovers, animal welfare organisations, internet users, and the general public.

From 2021 to 2023, the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) identified 889 instances of animal cruelty and neglect, as reported through complaints.

Incidents of poisoning strays have been reported as early as January 2018, with cat colonies found dead in four separate areas of Kuala Lumpur and 19 cats poisoned in Wangsa Maju.

In August 2018, dogs were discovered poisoned in the housing areas of Elmina Gardens in Shah Alam, Selangor, resulting in the death of 11 dogs since July 24.

Between 2020 and 2024, cases of dog poisoning were prevalent in various locations, including Pantai Cherating, Pahang; near a factory in Puncak Jelapang, Ipoh, Perak; at the Taman Seri Amber flats in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan; in Cyberjaya; Island Glades; and the Tanjung Bungah area in Penang.

Identifying the culprits behind these crimes has proven to be a challenge due to the lack of evidence and witnesses. Consequently, many high-profile cases of cruelty go unpunished, with the perpetrators facing no consequences for their actions.

Intense brutal death

The act of poisoning is particularly brutal, causing both physical pain and mental anguish from the moment the poison is ingested until the animal's eventual death, which can take several agonising minutes to hours. Throughout this ordeal, the animal experiences intense mental suffering.

Non-target animals, including birds, wildlife, and pets, have also fallen victim to poisoning. This poses a potential threat to humans when these harmful substances contaminate waterways, soil, or the air. Therefore, offences related to poison should be addressed with the gravity they warrant.

The question arises as to why individuals would intentionally poison dogs. This could stem from malicious intent, where individuals poison a dog out of cruelty or other nefarious motives.

Alternatively, people may perceive a dog as a nuisance due to excessive barking, straying, or being perceived as a threat.

In many instances, individuals may not comprehend the risks and consequences of poisoning a dog, mistakenly believing it to be an effective method of controlling the stray population.

Regardless of the motivation, deliberately poisoning a dog is an incredibly cruel and harmful act that can cause immense suffering. It is also highly unethical and illegal.

The ethical approach is to address the issue through proper channels and relevant authorities.

Issue of strays

The primary reason for the high number of strays is the intentional act of abandoning dogs and cats by their owners.

Often, families hastily adopt puppies or kittens without grasping the responsibilities of pet ownership. This has led to a rise in the population of abandoned animals, which has become a problem in several states in Malaysia.

CAP urges the DVS to address the issue of strays by providing essential services nationwide, such as spaying and neutering pets and animals adopted from shelters. It is crucial to mandate microchipping for all pets to prevent loss or abandonment.

Regular public education campaigns on the responsibilities of domestic animal ownership and the consequences of abandonment should be conducted. Additionally, a dedicated task force should be established to combat animal crimes and aid in rescue efforts.

Effective legislation is necessary to enforce these regulations.

The successful implementation of these measures relies on the cooperation of multiple agencies, including government departments, municipalities, veterinary agencies, and NGOs.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.