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Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin has expressed "extreme sadness, disappointment, and anger" over the recent spate of animal cruelty cases involving both pets and stray animals
In a statement issued by Istana Alam Shah on Saturday, 1 August, Her Royal Highness said the recent incidents involving dogs and cats that have gone viral were deeply concerning and called for stronger action against those responsible.
As the royal patron of the Stray Free Selangor initiative managed by SPCA Selangor, the Tengku Permaisuri said acts of torturing, injuring, killing, or cruelly treating animals are not only against the law but also reflect a failure to uphold compassion and humanity.
"No form of animal cruelty will be accepted or tolerated. Regardless of who the perpetrator is. Regardless of their position. Regardless of race or religion. Regardless of the reason whatsoever," the statement read.
She stressed that this principle applies to everyone, including individuals, organisations, companies, government agencies, and enforcement authorities.
"No one is above the law," she reminded.
The Tengku Permaisuri said anyone found to have committed acts of animal cruelty should be thoroughly investigated and face appropriate legal action, including members or officers of enforcement agencies if they are involved
She added that public confidence in enforcement institutions can only be maintained when officers carry out their duties professionally, with integrity and compassion, rather than resorting to unnecessary violence or actions that cause animals to suffer.
Her Royal Highness also reiterated calls for closer cooperation between the government, local authorities, animal welfare organisations, and the public to strengthen animal welfare in Selangor
Among the measures proposed were promoting more humane animal management practices, strengthening public education on compassion towards animals, and making animal welfare a key consideration in policies related to animal management.
She also urged the federal government to review the penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 so that those convicted of animal cruelty face stricter and more consistently enforced punishments.
"Compassion is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, the ability to protect the most vulnerable creatures is the true measure of a society's strength, maturity, and civilisation," she said.
The statement comes days after a stray dog known as Rocky died during a Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) capture operation, an incident that sparked widespread public outrage
Animal welfare group Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) alleged that the dog was abused during the incident, while MBDK has denied wrongdoing, saying the dog died after a struggle with members of the public disrupted the capture efforts.
Police reports have since been lodged by both parties, and investigations are ongoing.
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