A driver of a four-wheel drive vehicle claimed that he did not realize the stray cat he was carrying was hanging from the back of his vehicle

The driver involved made a police report to explain the incident and avoid misunderstandings. - Photo/ Courtesy of the reader

NIBONG TEBAL: A driver of a four-wheel drive vehicle claimed that he did not realize the cat he was carrying was hanging from the back of his vehicle in an incident in the Simpang Ampat area, until it went viral on social media yesterday.

Seberang Perai Selatan District Police Chief Superintendent Chong Boo Khim said that following the incident, the driver involved filed a police report to explain the incident and avoid misunderstandings.

Confirming receiving the report from the complainant, Boo Kim said, the investigation found that the local man had found a stray cat in his house that was in a state of disrepair.

"He then wanted to take the cat to an animal clinic in Simpang Ampat for the purpose of neutering the animal".

"However, while on the way to the clinic, the complainant did not realize that the cat that was parked at the back of his vehicle tried to jump out until it was in a hanging state", he said in a statement, here, today.

According to Boo Kim, the complainant only realized that the animal was hanging after arriving at the animal clinic and acted to untie the rope around the cat's neck.

He explained that the case was referred to the Penang Veterinary Services Department for further action.

"The police advise the public not to manipulate viral cases that can cause confusion.

Yesterday, a photo of a cat hanging from the back of a four-wheel drive vehicle went viral, angering the public and animal lovers.

Meanwhile, the driver involved, who only wanted to be known as Leong when contacted, said he had no intention of harming the animal.

According to Leong, while on his way to the animal clinic about 1.5 kilometers from his home, he put the cat in the back of the vehicle and covered it with a vegetable basket.

But the animal managed to escape from the basket and is believed to have jumped out.

As a result of the incident, he and his family, including the family of the owner of the vehicle, were severely criticized and harassed by the public.

"So far, the news that the cat is dead has caused the public to become even more angry. While this cat is actually still alive, it only has a few scratches due to friction on the road", he said.

"I hope people don't continue to criticize me and the family, including the owner of the vehicle, because I have absolutely no intention of harming the animal," said Leong.