MPs bark at each other over killing of stray dog called ‘Kopi’

PARLIAMENT | A war of words erupted in the Dewan Rakyat over the shooting of a stray dog known as “Kopi” in Besut, Terengganu. 

This is after Chong Zhemin (Harapan-Kampar) interjected when Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) was responding to RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong), who described the district council’s action as inhumane.

“There have been numerous complaints about stray dogs in Besut. There are 800 stray dogs, 130 complaints (filed),” he said.

Che Mohamad (above, left) said these animals posed various threats, from diseases to causing injuries, apart from the issue of excrement in the surrounding areas.

“There are numerous justifications, it was not a reckless act (by the local council),” he added when debating the Supply Bill 2025.

Flouting SOP

At this juncture, Chong stood up and protested that the PN lawmaker’s explanation had misled the House.

Citing the Standing Orders, the DAP MP touched on the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which states that animals cannot be culled in this manner.

“Even if it is a stray dog, the SOP (standard operating procedure) must be followed, and the animal must be trapped in a humane manner, the dog cannot be hurt. Don’t say it can be justified,” he added.

Che Mohamed told Chong to sit down because he was interrupting him, and this led to a verbal exchange.

Defending the Besut district council, the PN MP said: “We followed the procedure, you don’t disturb the debate.”

Turning to speaker Johari Abdul for help, Che Mohamed remarked: “Speaker, he is interrupting. You (Chong) are the one who does not understand.”

Johari then intervened and instructed both lawmakers to sit down before asking Che Mohamad to continue.

Memo to Parliament and court action

Previously, a coalition of animal rights groups lodged a police report in Kuala Lumpur against the district council and plans to initiate legal proceedings as well.

Last week, Selangor Furry Future Association president S Shashi Kumar told Malaysiakini that a memorandum would be submitted to Parliament next month.

A memorandum was also handed to the Veterinary Services Department on Oct 18.

The killing of Kopi sparked outrage after videos depicting the stray dog playing with kittens surfaced online.

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