Residents, NGO urge stricter enforcement following dog attack incident

A residents’ association and an animal welfare organisation are calling on the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to take enforcement action against the owner of a Great Dane following an incident in Bukit Gasing that has since triggered widespread debate on social media.

The Section 5 Residents Association (RA5PJ), together with animal welfare NGO Reform#AWA, plans to file a formal complaint with MBPJ over what they described as negligent handling of the dog, which allegedly entered a private residence and attacked pets belonging to homeowner Derek Fernandez on May 4.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight when the large breed reportedly forced its way through a metal gate into Fernandez’s compound. According to the residents’ association, Fernandez used a stick to separate the animals and prevent further injuries to his dog.

Although the matter was initially resolved privately between neighbours, the case resurfaced online after social media posts accused Fernandez of using excessive force against the animal. Some users demanded action against him, claiming the Great Dane had been mistreated.

However, RA5PJ and Reform#AWA said closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage reviewed by both parties showed Fernandez acted in self-defence during the incident.

The footage also allegedly revealed the dog roaming freely on public roads without direct supervision, while its owner followed behind in a vehicle.

Concerns raised over public safety and pet ownership

Reform#AWA president Dr. Sashi Kumar said the owner’s conduct raised concerns over responsible pet ownership and public safety.

“The law is very clear. You are not supposed to let your dog out without supervision,” he said.

“Your dog entered somebody else’s house and you did not even realize it until later. That is negligence on the owner’s part.”

According to RA5PJ, the formal report to MBPJ will cite alleged breaches under the Licensing of Dogs (MBPJ) By-Laws 2007 as well as Section 289 of the Penal Code, which relates to negligent conduct involving animals.

The association also claimed the owner had previously engaged in what residents described as “remote-controlled” dog walking, where the dog was allegedly allowed to roam while the owner remained inside a vehicle instead of using a leash.

Residents had reportedly refrained from lodging complaints earlier due to concerns that authorities might euthanise the dog if enforcement action was taken.

However, RA5PJ said the latest incident, coupled with the online accusations directed at Fernandez, made formal intervention necessary to prevent future risks to the community.