Kitten killing: Bandar Kuching MP smells a rat, wants post-mortem

Summary

• Bandar Kuching MP wants a post-mortem on a kitten found dead at Unimas after an internal probe ruled out human abuse.

• Yii questions university’s findings that the injuries were caused by a male cat, given how veterinary experts have suggested strong possibility of human involvement.

Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii appeared unconvinced by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (Unimas) dismissal of human involvement in the gruesome killing of a kitten found on campus.

He urged Unimas to allow external veterinary experts and relevant authorities to conduct a post-mortem on the animal, which has been buried.

This came after the varsity’s internal probe concluded that another cat had caused the kitten’s injuries.

Calling for greater transparency, the DAP lawmaker said investigations should involve relevant authorities and include open engagement with stakeholders and NGOs.

“I am deeply disturbed and concerned by the incident. The grotesque nature of the injuries, including what appears to be clean-cut mutilations, raises serious questions about the circumstances and manner in which these acts were committed,” he was quoted as saying by Borneo Post.

Independent inquiry needed

Yii claimed that a veterinary expert had pointed out that the nature of the mutilation suggests a strong possibility of human involvement.

“The assertion that another animal, even a male cat, is responsible for such actions, without a thorough forensic validation, is highly questionable,” he said.

He added that the lack of transparency in the investigation process, the withholding of crucial evidence such as video footage, and the absence of an independent inquiry have eroded public trust.

The MP urged Unimas to share all relevant evidence with the authorities, including CCTV recordings and documented witness statements, to allow for an independent review.

This is not the first time humans have been suspected of killing cats at a public university.

Late last year, it was reported that dismembered carcasses were discovered at Universiti Malaya.

The police said the cats had died from dog attacks, however, NGOs disputed this, arguing that the injuries on the cats were more consistent with the use of sharp objects, indicating possible human involvement.

Better animal welfare laws

According to Yii, this incident highlights the urgent need for Sarawak to reform and strengthen its legal framework on animal welfare.

“Unlike Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, which are governed by the Animal Welfare Act 2015, Sarawak operates under its own state ordinance that lacks sufficient enforcement mechanisms and punitive measures for cruelty against animals,” he said.

Previously, Unimas corporate communications division clarified that the death of the kitten at its Allamanda Residential College was not the result of human abuse following an investigation by its security division.

The investigation involved interviewing witnesses, reviewing CCTV footage, and analysing photos and videos from the scene.

The matter gained public attention after a social media post circulated, featuring graphic images of a dismembered kitten.

The post alleged that the carcass was discovered near the university’s residential area and suggested that the animal had been deliberately killed.

Unimas has since announced that it is also mulling setting up an association to monitor the welfare of stray animals.

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