UM student body raises safety concerns after more strays found dead

Summary

• Five cases of stray cats being killed reported on the Universiti Malaya (UM) campus, with the latest incident discovered at the sports centre on Dec 25.

• Police attribute the deaths to stray dog attacks based on CCTV footage, but an NGO suggests the injuries were caused by sharp objects, indicating possible human involvement.

• The student group NewGen UM criticises the authorities for inaction, demanded a police task force to investigate, and called for a hearing with stakeholders to address campus safety and animal welfare.

Another report of a stray cat being killed has surfaced at the Universiti Malaya (UM).

According to the student group NewGen UM, this fifth incident was discovered yesterday evening at 7.15pm at the Faculty of Sports Science in the sports centre.

The group stated that they have repeatedly lodged complaints and reports to the police and UM management since the first case, urging swift action to ensure the safety of all lives on campus.

“However, to date, there has been no substantial progress in investigations or arrests of suspects, exposing the extreme inefficiency and indifferent attitude of both the police and university authorities in addressing such incidents,” the group said in a statement yesterday.

Preliminary findings from police investigations, based on CCTV footage, attribute the recent deaths of several cats on campus to attacks by a pack of stray dogs.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Mohd Isa said the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) had confirmed the cats died from injuries sustained during the attack.

However, the Malaysian Stray Animal Association (SAFM) has dismissed this claim, arguing that the cats’ injuries were more consistent with the use of sharp objects, pointing towards possible human involvement.

In addition to the stray cats, a dog’s carcass was found near the college residences yesterday, according to a Free Malaysia Today report.

Widespread fear among students

NewGen UM expressed alarm over the frequent occurrence of such incidents, which they say has caused widespread fear among students.

“If these cases are indeed deliberate acts of cruelty, the perpetrator clearly lacks basic humanity, posing a potential threat not only to stray cats but also to the personal safety of UM students,” the group stated.

NewGen UM voiced their disappointment with what they called the apathetic response of both the police and university management.

“Each incident serves as a stark reminder that the campus is not as safe as it is assumed to be. If the authorities continue to neglect these matters, they not only show indifference towards the lives of stray animals but also exhibit gross irresponsibility towards the safety of the UM community.”

The group has demanded that police urgently form a task force, speed up investigations, provide regular updates, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

They also called for a hearing to be convened in the short term to discuss solutions with student leaders, society representatives, and animal welfare organisations.

Five cases

Nov 25 - A stray cat was found tortured to death outside the Central Library, with its body discarded.

Dec 12 - A stray cat was found mutilated, with its limbs severed, near the Faculty of Business and Accountancy.

Dec 16 - Another stray cat, also with severed limbs, was discovered at the same faculty.

Dec 20 - A report on four cats found dead in different locations on the campus.

Dec 25 - A stray cat was found dead at the sports centre.

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