Sick dogs saved from being suffocated to death

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ABANDONED: The two terriers stuffed into the sack which was tied tightly.

KOTA KINABALU: A cruel dog owner disposed of two pet terriers inside a nylon sack that was tied up very tightly and dumped near the garbage bin.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA) KK is seeking public assistance in identifying the dogs’ owner.

On May 22, a resident of Tanah Emas Penampang, Mr Tan, heard cries that sounded like animals near his house. He went to investigate and discovered that the cries were coming from a sack near the rubbish bin. He quickly called SPCA KK before taking the sack to the nearest veterinary clinic.

SPCA KK said the two terriers were about two years old. Both were in very bad shape and were suffering from severe skin condition. It is unknown how long they had been stuffed into the sack.

“The intention is very clear for these two unfortunate dogs – death by suffocation simply because of a treatable skin condition if the owner had
the decency to take them for treatment earlier,” said SPAC KK in a statement yesterday.

Dogs and cats are protected by the Animals Act 1953 in Peninsular Malaysia and similar legislation in Sabah and Sarawak. According to Section 44 (1) of the Animal Act 1953, cruelty to animals is liable to a fine of RM200 or a term of imprisonment of six months, or both.

Under Section 428 and Section 429 of  the Penal Code, cruelty to animals is liable to a fine not exceeding RM500 or imprisonment up to five years, or both.

SPCA KK said when reporting cases of cruelty to animals, the incident must be meticulously recorded, which includes the date and time of the incident, address of the crime scene, or the number plate of the owner’s car. Photographic and video evidence should be procured to build a strong case.

Picture or video evidence would include among others, the act of cruelty being committed, the surrounding environment, the animal abuser’s actions, and the animal’s reaction.

The five freedoms that all animals should have at all times are freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort (shelter from heat and rain); freedom from pain, injury and disease;  freedom to express normal behavior (without inconveniencing or harming others) and freedom from fear and distress.

Hence, SPCA KK is making a sincere plea to the public to be kind to all animals, pets and strays, and not to ill-treat them.

Should anyone know of or witness any abuse and killing of cats, dogs etc for consumption, contact SPCA KK at 012-8039298.