Society Now More Concerned With Animal Abuse, More Complaints Recorded - Dvs

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- The public is now increasingly concerned about animal abuse cases with complaints showing an upward trend.

Deputy director-general (Development) of Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Dr Suratan Kamarudin said the number of complaints rose from 1,000 in 2021 to more than 2,000 last year.

He said although the number of complaints has increased, it did not necessarily indicate an increase in actual cases of abuse but reflected the community’s concern over the issue.

“When we do an investigation, even though there are many complaints, only a few cases actually involve neglect or abuse,” he said.

“The public can report cases of animal abuse or neglect through the MyAnimalWelfare digital platform, where the complaint will be forwarded to our field officers," he said on the “Apa Khabar Malaysia” programme broadcast on Bernama TV today.

According to Dr Suratan, dogs are on top of the animal list that receive the most complaints with 5,226 reported cases, followed by cats (1,900 cases) and others including horses, rabbits and birds.

He said criminal offences involving abuse that cause pain or suffering to animals, such as beating, kicking or excessive confinement of animals, killing, poisoning and using animals (cockerel, dogs) for fighting can be prosecuted under Sections 29 to 32 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015.

Meanwhile, neglect is defined as the failure to provide basic aspects of animal welfare, such as providing a suitable home environment, health care and adequate food. This offence is prescribed under Section 34 of the same act.

“For a criminal offence, an offender can be fined between RM20,000 to RM100,000 or imprisoned for three years, or both. While for neglect, the fine is between RM15,000 to RM75,000 with the same prison sentence,” he said.

-- BERNAMA