Tengku Permaisuri Selangor: No one is above the law on animal cruelty

Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin has warned that no one, including enforcement personnel, is above investigation or legal action for acts of animal cruelty.

She said this applies equally to individuals, organisations, companies, government agencies, and authorities.

“No one is above the law,” she said in a statement posted on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page today.

The Tengku Permaisuri, who is royal patron of SPCA Selangor’s Stray Free Selangor initiative, expressed sadness, disappointment, and anger over recent cases of cruelty involving pets and stray animals, particularly dogs and cats.

She stressed that animal cruelty would not be tolerated regardless of the perpetrator’s position, background, or justification.

“No form of animal cruelty will be accepted or tolerated. Regardless of who the perpetrator is. Regardless of their position. Regardless of their race or religion. Regardless of whatever justification may be given,” she said.

Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin said any party found responsible for cruelty against animals must be thoroughly investigated and face appropriate legal action, including members or officers of enforcement agencies.

She said public confidence in enforcement institutions could only be maintained if actions were carried out professionally, with integrity and compassion, rather than through unnecessary force or conduct that causes animal suffering.

Probe launched

Her statement follows public outrage over the death of a stray dog known as Rocky during a capture operation in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang, on July 29.

Police have opened an investigation paper following allegations of animal cruelty.

South Klang police chief Lim Jit Huey previously said the dog was confirmed dead after the operation, which was conducted by the Royal Klang City Council (MBDK) with the cooperation of residents.

Rocky’s carcass was later sent to the Selangor Veterinary Department headquarters for a post-mortem examination.

A video circulating on social media showed several men tying up and dragging the dog while a woman pleaded for the animal to be released.

Importance of compassion

Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin also called on the federal government to review penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, saying punishments for offenders should be strengthened and enforced more consistently.

She urged the government, local authorities, animal welfare groups, and the public to work together to improve the humane rescue, treatment, management, and protection of animals.

She said compassion must form the basis of animal management policies and be nurtured from a young age through education, awareness, and community participation.

“The way we treat animals reflects who we are as human beings. A society that fails to show compassion towards the most vulnerable creatures will eventually lose its sense of compassion towards fellow human beings,” she reminded.

She added: “Compassion is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, the ability to protect the most vulnerable creatures is the true measure of the strength, maturity, and civilisation of a society.”

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