Besut District Council Defends Staff After Well-Loved Stray 'Kopi' Is Shot Dead
Besut District Council president Mohd Sukeri Ibrahim said his staff followed standard operating procedures.
By May Vin Ang — 14 Oct 2024, 06:00 PM
Besut District Council president Mohd Sukeri Ibrahim has defended the council's actions after the recent killing of stray dog 'Kopi' sparked public outcry
According to Bernama, Mohd Sukeri emphasised that his staff followed standard operating procedures (SOP) in killing the stray dog, and that the shooting operation was conducted in line with the Besut District Council Dog Licensing By-Laws 1990.
"The handling of the stray dog adhered to the SOP established by the Housing and Local Government Ministry and complied with Section 30 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015," he said.
He added that his staff had attempted to retrieve the dog's remains, but were prevented from doing so by some individuals, refuting allegations that the staff had abandoned the dog after it was shot.
Mohd Sukeri said the law permits the use of firearms in certain cases to manage or remove dangerous or wild animals.
"The regulation allows for any licenced or unlicenced dog, whose owner cannot be found, to be removed or handled as instructed by the council president or an authorised officer," he said.
Mohd Sukeri's statement comes in response to a petition started by Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) seeking justice for Kopi, which has garnered over 15,000 signatures as of writing
In a change.org petition, SAFM called on Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Veterinary Services Department to investigate the matter and hold the staff accountable for the stray dog's cruel death.
"Kopi, a gentle and friendly stray known to the local community, did not deserve to lose its life in such a violent manner. The use of lethal force against stray animals is unacceptable and reflects a failure to apply more humane and ethical practices.
"We demand that local councils and authorities adopt better approaches in managing stray animals that uphold the welfare and dignity of all creatures," it said.
Earlier, My Forever Doggo featured Kopi in an Instagram post celebrating World Animal Day on 4 October, highlighting the stray dog's gentle nature as it played with a stray kitten
However, not two days after, the dog media company shared that Kopi was found dead, indiscriminately killed by the Terengganu local council.
It reported that a resident in the neighbourhood heard gunshots and rushed out, finding Kopi lying on the ground and crying in pain.
"There are more humane ways of treating homeless animals. Killing these homeless dogs does not change the situation; helping them does," wrote My Forever Doggo.
The two videos have collectively garnered over 100,000 likes, with netizens mourning the death of the sweet dog, and demanding for justice and the humane management of stray dogs.
