Cat abuse video: SAFM urges police and DVS to investigate

The Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) has urged authorities to investigate a cat abuse video, The Star reported. The video reportedly appeared on TikTok.

SAFM said in a statement on Sunday, 18 October, that the claims must be taken seriously. It called on the police, the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to act.

No one has verified the claims. Here is what SAFM asked for, what remains unknown, and the laws it cited.

What SAFM is asking for

The group wants the police and DVS to work with MCMC on the case. The Star reported that SAFM called the allegations serious.

SAFM asked investigators to find out where the alleged incident happened. It also asked them to trace how the footage spread online.

It urged them to secure all relevant digital evidence. The Vibes reported that the video runs 55 seconds.

SAFM said officers should make finding the cat a priority. They should check the animal’s condition and make sure it is safe.

It also asked authorities to verify the video and identify the person involved. Anyone responsible should face a fair legal process, SAFM said.

The group appealed to the public as well. Anyone with credible information or the original recording should come forward.

SAFM said effective enforcement is essential. It protects animal welfare and keeps public trust in the law, the group added.

What is not known

No one has independently verified the allegations, The Vibes reported. The video’s authenticity and the circumstances around it remain unclear.

Neither report says when or where the video was filmed. Neither names the person in it or the person who posted it.

The reports also give no word on the cat. We do not know its condition or where it is.

Neither report carries a response from the police, DVS or MCMC. TikTok has not commented in either report.

Neither report says whether anyone has lodged a police report. CJ.MY has not seen the footage, so this article calls it alleged.

Both reports use words such as “alleged” and “purportedly”. We have kept that wording. We will update this story if the authorities respond. SAFM has asked anyone with evidence to help the investigation.

The laws SAFM cited

SAFM cited Section 377 of the Penal Code and Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, “where applicable”. It also wants the sharing of the footage examined under communications laws.

If proven, the act would be “a grave form of animal abuse,” SAFM said, as quoted by The Star. It said this “warrants stern action under Malaysian law”.

The reports state no penalty for this case. In other cases, DVS has pointed to Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act. Bernama reported that it carries a fine of RM20,000 to RM100,000, up to three years’ jail, or both.

Whether that section applies here is for investigators and prosecutors to decide. We found no source that explains how Section 377 would apply.

In a Port Klang dog-death case, Selangor DVS lodged a police report and summoned the suspect, Bernama reported in August. The Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor has urged a review of the Act’s penalties.