THE carcasses of a cat and a dog discovered at Universiti Malaya (UM) campus grounds yesterday (Dec 25) underscores the fact that these incidents are the result of human cruelty and not stray animal conflicts, and the authorities must take decisive action to before it further escalates.
The gruesome discoveries follow the deaths of several other cats on the campus.
MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung said the recent discovery shatters the narrative that stray dogs were to blame for the feline deaths and as such UM and the relevant authorities must first acknowledge the truth of these incidents.
“As we previously highlighted, there is no possibility that the clean dismemberments of these animals’ limbs were done by a canine, and this incident further proves that dogs are not at fault,” she stressed.
“These killings are premeditated acts of cruelty, and it is crucial to move away from blaming animals. The focus must instead be on identifying and prosecuting the human perpetrator responsible for these heinous acts.”
Saw said investigations must be expedited to ensure that the culprit is brought to justice under the country’s animal cruelty laws, which should be enforced to their fullest extent to deter such acts from reoccurring in the future.
“While addressing this issue, it is crucial to take steps to enhance campus safety. Measures such as increased surveillance and stricter security protocols must be implemented without delay,” she remarked.
“The fact that these acts of cruelty have now targeted dogs highlights a very real threat to the safety of students and staff at UM. Preventive measures are urgently needed to stop further violence and ensure a secure environment for everyone on campus, including its animals.”
Saw went on to note that these incidents go beyond animal welfare as they reflect the moral and ethical standards upheld as a society.
“Allowing such cruelty to persist without consequences sends a dangerous message of indifference towards violence,” she pointed out.
“The authorities must act decisively to protect both the people and animals of the campus. Stop turning a blind eye and conduct thorough investigations immediately.”
Two dead cats were found at UM’s Faculty of Business and Economics on Dec 12 and 16, leading to the lodging of a report by the UM Student Union on Dec 17.
Another report, filed on Dec 20, involved the deaths of four cats in different locations on the campus.
Yesterday, police said the dead cats were likely attacked by a pack of stray dogs.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said police reached the conclusion after reviewing CCTV footage of the surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) had also confirmed that the injuries found on the cats were caused by wild animals. – Dec 26, 2024
Main image: The Star
