THE brutal actions of local municipal officers in the capturing of stray animals have been an issue for some time.
Many pet lovers are shocked, stunned and abhorred at the barbaric manner in which these municipal officers carry out their duties.
However, very typical Malaysia, everything is somehow related to race and religion. This was abundantly highlighted in a post by NGO Stay Free Foundation (@StayFreeFndn) on the X platform.
Over 100 people gathered today to demand justice for Kopi. This marks a crucial moment in the fight to end cruelty toward stray animals and calls on the government to take decisive action. #justiceforkopi pic.twitter.com/p3x8p6BEz7
— Stray Free Foundation (@StrayFreeFndn) October 15, 2024
The post highlighted a peaceful gathering of concerned citizens abhorred at the killing of a dog that went by the name of Kopi by enforcement officers in Besut, Terengganu.
On Tuesday (Oct 15), Lawyers for Animal Rights filed a police report against the Besut Municipal Authority at the Sentul police station with around 100 animal lovers gathered outside in solidarity with Kopi.
However, it didn’t take long for things to degenerate into a ‘Us vs Them’ narrative on social media.
A few comments pointedly asked why these protestors didn’t volunteer to adopt Kopi or any number of strays.
With one asking just what the enforcement officers are supposed to do with captured strays?
While another dismissed these protestors as blinkered imbeciles who will say nothing when children are bitten by stray dogs.
One netizen, though sought to highlight that this was not about adoption but for the greater well-being of animals.
However, many netizens pointed out that strays were also God’s creatures and should be dealt with in a humane manner.
With another assured non-Muslims that Islam does not promote cruelty to animals whilst hoping that there are laws to hold the officers responsible for their actions.
Given that this a hot topic trending on social media, cybertroopers were quick to use it to suit their agenda.
However, the original poster sought to underline that the issue had nothing to do with race or religion but a shared hope that animal welfare is given due consideration.
Meanwhile, another demonstration will be held in front of the Department of Veterinary Services in Putrajaya on tomorrow (Oct 18) at 3pm.
The event is co-organised by six NGOs which have urged concerned citizens and the media to join in a peaceful protest with the aim of bringing about change in the manner in which strays are culled. – Oct 17, 2024
Main image credit: Peter John Jaban/Facebook
