Justice sought after council shoots stray dog ‘Kopi’

A protest demanding accountability from the Besut District Council (MDB) over the recent shooting of a stray dog named Kopi took place on Sunday outside the MDB office.

Led by animal rights advocate Sue Ann Kong, the Together Louder for Kopi rally aimed to hold the council accountable for Kopi’s death.

Despite a modest turnout, with only Kong and one other attendee from Kuala Lumpur present, the message was clear.

MDB defends actions amidst growing backlash

The controversy began when MDB allegedly shot the stray dog, Kopi, following public complaints about the dog’s behaviour near the Bank Simpanan Nasional Jertih branch.

MDB president Mohd Sukeri Ibrahim defended the action, stating that it followed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) set by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).

He added that the action was conducted within legal guidelines, referencing Section 30 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015.

Despite MDB’s statement, animal welfare groups have criticised the action, arguing that shooting strays is an inhumane method of control.

Many advocates question whether alternative measures, such as catch-and-release or relocation, were considered.

Sue expressed her disappointment over the low attendance, attributing it to possible local hesitation.

“Even with only two of us, we made our message clear to a council representative, explaining why we are here,” she said.

Sue called on MDB to take responsibility by naming the individual responsible for the shooting, insisting on transparency.

“This person should face action under the Animal Welfare Act 2015,” she added, advocating for stricter measures to protect animals’ rights.

Solidarity for Kopi grows nationwide

Following Kopi’s death, several animal welfare groups staged solidarity events, including a rally in Kuala Lumpur, calling for justice for the stray.

Activists also submitted a memorandum to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), urging stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws.

Police were stationed at the Besut protest, which lasted until Kong and her companion left around 4 p.m. Besut police chief Supt Abdul Rozak Muhammad stated that the case remains under investigation but declined further comment.

The protest, although small in number, has helped bring attention to Kopi’s case and the issue of stray animal control practices.

The rally’s message has resonated with animal rights advocates, and calls for reforms are likely to continue.

Kopi’s case has highlighted the need for consistent, humane animal control methods across local councils in Malaysia.

Animal rights advocates are hopeful that continued public pressure will lead to better policies for managing stray animals.

As Kong stated, “Justice for Kopi is justice for all stray animals who deserve humane treatment under the law.”

Source: Bernama