Serdang police investigating UPM dog killings

Police have launched an investigation into the alleged culling of stray dogs, reportedly carried out at Universiti Putra Malaysia's (UPM) campus.

In a statement today, Serdang district police chief Farid Ahmad said a report had been lodged over the matter, in which the complainant expressed dissatisfaction with the institution for allegedly hiring a private pest control company to kill the animals.

“The investigation is being conducted under Section 30(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772), which provides for a penalty of not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM100,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both,” Farid said.

At a press conference on Oct 3, the Organisation for the Preservation of National Heritage Malaysia (Peka) alleged that UPM had engaged the Sentul-based company to cull the dogs at a rate of RM400 per animal.

Peka accused UPM of killing at least 15 dogs, and photographic evidence provided by the NGO showed that the animals were culled by shooting.

The company is named in a purported November 2024 invoice sent to UPM for the “catching and disposal of stray dogs”, with the document not detailing the manner in which the dogs were disposed of.

Following the allegations, UPM announced that it had established an internal investigation committee to look into the matter.

However, Peka president and lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan described the move as “illogical”, pointing out that “crimes cannot be investigated internally by the offender itself”.

‘Inhumane, unacceptable’

In a statement today, MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung strongly condemned the institution’s actions, describing the alleged use of firearms against stray animals as inhumane and unacceptable.

She said universities, as centres of knowledge and social responsibility, should serve as role models by adopting humane and ethical methods in managing stray animals.

“Resorting to shooting dogs on campus is not only cruel, but it also sends the wrong message to students about problem-solving, empathy, and respect for life,” she said in a statement.

Saw further urged the authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, holding those responsible accountable to prevent similar incidents in future.

Court denies bail for insurance agent charged with wildlife trafficking

Activists file report over calls to poison dogs in Seremban

NGO calls for humane options after N Sembilan approves dog culling

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

Lawyer shares shocking images of injured dogs, demands probe

Establish Animal Welfare Board to manage stray issues – NGO