Evidence from a private vet points to deliberate human actions, challenging official accounts and sparking demands for justice
KUALA LUMPUR – Animal activist Shima Aris has disputed claims by authorities and associations that recent cat deaths at the University Malaya (UM) campus were caused by stray animal attacks.
Speaking at a press conference, Shima disclosed that she had taken one of the feline carcasses to a private veterinarian for examination.
The results, she said, indicated that the injuries were inflicted by humans rather than stray animals.
“These findings contradict the authorities’ statement that the mutilated cats were attacked by stray dogs,” she said.
The veterinarian’s report stated that the injuries were precise cuts at the animal’s joints, consistent with the use of a sharp instrument.
Shima and the veterinarian stressed that such injuries could not have been caused by stray dogs, as canine attacks typically involve puncture wounds, tearing, and signs of struggle—none of which were evident in the examined carcass.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa did not name the higher education institution, but it has been reported that several dead cats with signs of mutilation have been found in UM recently.
He said police had referred the case to the Veterinary Services Department, which confirmed that injuries sustained by the cats leading to their deaths were consistent with attacks by wild dogs.
However, animal rights lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan also criticised the authorities for their handling of the case, questioning their claim that stray dogs were responsible and urging a comprehensive investigation.
“This issue has become significant because multiple cats have been murdered, yet the police attribute it to stray dogs. This conclusion is baseless,” he said.
Rajesh further criticised the Department of Veterinary Services for failing to conduct post-mortem examinations on the carcasses and for hastily burying the bodies.
“Where is the post-mortem report? How can they declare it was the dogs if there is no proper investigation?
“This is their job, and they are being paid for it. Why do we, the public, have to step in?” he questioned.
Rajesh also expressed frustration with the silence of the animal welfare board and the lack of transparency from the authorities.
Calling for public pressure on officials, he challenged the police and the DVS to substantiate their claims.
“If we’re wrong, show us the evidence. Tell us why we’re wrong, and I will apologise. But until then, we demand answers and justice,” he said.
Since November, five cases ofmutilated cats have been reported on the UM campus, sparking national outrage and concern. In response, UM students have united to protect the campus’s stray cats by rescuing them, providing shelter, and ensuring their safety in the wake of these incidents. – December 23, 2024
Post time 23-12-2024 03:43 PM
