Man filmed hitting pet dog with sledgehammer arrested, out on bail

Summary

• A 42-year-old pet owner has been arrested in Ipoh for animal abuse after a viral video surfaced.

• The suspect has been released on bail, with an iron mallet seized as evidence.

• The dog has been rescued by the Perak State Veterinary Department, is receiving treatment, and the case is under investigation.

The police have arrested a pet owner and seized a sledgehammer in connection with an alleged animal abuse case in Ipoh, Perak.

However, Ipoh police district chief Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad confirmed to Malaysiakini that the 42-year-old suspect had been released on bail.

“Not remanded, released on bail. Sledgehammer seized,” he said.

When asked if the release occurred after the suspect's statement was taken, he responded, "Yes."

Earlier, Abang Zainal stated that the police were made aware of a viral video showing an incident of animal abuse involving a dog in Bercham, Ipoh.

According to Abang Zainal, the police received a report around 9.37am today, and the arrest was made a few hours later.

“Initial investigations revealed that the suspect, who holds a valid licence for the dog, was responsible for the beating,” he said in a statement.

The 42-second video shows a man hitting the dog multiple times, including on its head, with a sledgehammer in front of a house at night.

The man, wearing a dark T-shirt and jeans, looks around and checks his phone before starting to beat the dog, which is chained.

He pauses briefly after several vehicles pass by before shouting at the dog, which was barking, and continues to strike it with the weapon.

Abang Zainal further noted that the suspect has four prior records for various offences and 17 drug-related records.

The dog has since been rescued by the Perak State Veterinary Department for treatment.

The case is being investigated under Section 44 of the Animals Act 1953/233 concerning the offence of cruelty and betrayal against animals.

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