Deadly ‘dog house’ WTF!!
By SUSHMA VEERA and MOHD YAAKOB YUSOF
KUALA LUMPUR: It’s a ‘dog house’ with a difference and a deadly one for canines if suspicions are found to be true.
In February, the Federal Territory Veterinary Services Department visited a doublestorey house in Puchong Saujana, Selangor, after being alerted by an animal protection group that its occupants — foreign construction workers — were allegedly butchering puppies.
A resident had earlier complained about hearing dogs yelping before becoming silent. It would be followed by the sound of the cutting of meat and bones from the back of the kitchen.
The resident claimed to have seen blood in the drain the next day.
The department’s enforcement head, Zainuddin Isma Yatim, told Weekend Mail that they had visited the house twice that month.
He said that they responded to the call as their Selangor counterparts were preoccupied with other tasks.
“It was during our second trip that the team found dog bones and teeth. We couldn’t enter the house as no one responded to our calls although an offi cer spotted movement in the house.” He said they took photographs of the bones.
“It’s not against Malaysian law to eat dogs or cats. We have to look more into the way the animals were killed.
We will check if there was cruelty involved.” He said the department will keep an eye on the house after being told by Weekend Mail that the resident had claimed that the mysterious ‘goings-on’ are continuing.
“We are also monitoring other places in Kuala Lumpur which we suspect are dealing in the sale of puppies for human consumption; even among locals.” The issue was even raised by Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad in February who called on those involved in bringing in and monitoring foreign workers to bar them from eating cats and dogs when commenting on the disappearance of many pets in Taman Kota Masai and Taman Seri Bahagia. Pet owners had claimed that foreigners may be responsible.
In the case of Puchong Saujana, the distress call was answered by Sherrina Krishnan of the Independent Pet Rescues.
“We called SPCA and the Veterinary Department.” Weekend Mail contacted the complainant who claimed that the butchering occurred late at night at least once a month.
“I would hear the puppy yelping and it would suddenly stop. This would be followed by the sound of butchering from the back of the kitchen.
“It’s impossible to see what’s happening inside as the windows are covered with aluminium foil. The next day, I would fi nd blood streaming in the drain.” The resident said the house is occupied by about 10 foreigners who have been living there since late last year. They work at a nearby construction site.
“I heard the sound on Thursday last week. I also noticed a foul smell coming from a dustbin as I walked past the house and saw some liquid inside the bin.” When contacted on Thursday, Shahrir suggested that the Immigration Department help the Veterinary Department ‘educate’ foreign workers about the local culture and sensitivities when it comes to pets.
Under Section 44 of the Animals Act 1953, offenders can be fi ned a maximum of RM200 or jailed for six months or both, if found guilty of cruelty to animals.
