Penang DVS investigates the case of a cat hanging from the back of a four-wheel drive
09/08/2024
Dr Saira Banu showed a picture of a cat that was rescued and is in her care.
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Penang Veterinary Services Department (DVS) opened an investigation into the incident of a cat hanging from the back of a four-wheel drive vehicle in an incident in Simpang Ampat, Nibong Tebal yesterday.
Its director, Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab, said his party had received an official complaint regarding the case and made a preliminary inspection at the scene of the incident.
Following that, the party has taken the statement of the male suspect in his 30s.
"DVS confirmed that it has received an official complaint regarding this case. Following that, DVS made a preliminary inspection at the scene of the incident on the same day of the incident, at about 12 noon.
"DVS has also managed to locate the suspect in this case and has already taken his testimony," he said.
According to Saira Banu, the cat is now under the care of DVS while the four-wheel drive vehicle that was used during the incident was also temporarily detained.
"Investigation papers have been opened under Paragraph 29(1)(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772) which if found guilty can be fined not less than RM20,000 and not more than three years or both," he said at the hearing media at DVS Penang Headquarters in Bukit Tengah, here, on Friday.
He explained that his party will refer the investigation paper of the case to the Deputy Public Prosecutor's office in the near future to obtain further instructions.
"In this case, although the suspect's intention was to take the cat to the animal clinic, the wrong way by not putting it in a special place has endangered the life of the cat involved," he said.
At this point, the cat involved is in a healthy and stable condition.
"DVS would like to advise any person or association related to animals to directly channel complaints regarding animal welfare and mistreatment to DVS via the link awa.dvs.gov. my (My Animal Welfare) and not to take any action on their own that may interfere with the investigation," .
Yesterday, a picture of a cat hanging from the back of a four-wheel drive went viral, angering people, especially animal lovers.
