- Malaysian celebrities and artistes have condemned the alleged cruelty surrounding the death of a dog named Rocky, calling for a transparent investigation and stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws.
- Comedian Harith Iskander urged Malaysians to reflect on whether compassion is being sacrificed "in the name of following procedures," stating that those who commit terrible acts often believe they are "simply doing their jobs."
- Actress Nabila Huda begged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to look into the incident, stating, "I know you have far bigger responsibilities to carry for this country. But please... hear us."
- Nabila Huda emphasized the need for stricter laws and punishments that reflect the cruelty of these crimes, expressing that "our hearts are shattered every time we see animals being abused, tortured and killed with such cruelty."
- Celebrity and TV personality Daphne Iking rejected the notion that dogs are unclean as an excuse for cruelty, citing Malaysia's Animal Welfare Act, which imposes a fine of up to RM100,000 and three years in prison.
- According to Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM), a group of men beat and strangled a dog to death on July 29 in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang, with allegations that two officers from the Klang Royal City Council were present.
- SAFM reported that the owner pleaded for Rocky to be released, but was ignored, and that Rocky "remained in the noose until he stopped moving and eventually died in front of his owner."
- The Klang Royal City Council stated it is leaving the matter to police for a thorough investigation, noting that the operation was conducted following resident complaints and under By-law 17(1) of the MPK Dog Licensing and Breeding Kennels By-laws 2007.
Malaysian celebrities are rallying for enhanced animal welfare laws after the tragic death of a dog named Rocky, who was allegedly beaten and strangled by a group of men in Klang. The incident has ignited a public outcry, with many demanding accountability and reform.
Comedian Harith Iskander emphasized the need for compassion, stating, "Those who committed terrible acts often did not see themselves as bad people, but instead believed they were simply doing their jobs." Actress Nabila Huda passionately appealed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, urging him to address the issue, saying, "Our hearts are shattered every time we see animals being abused, tortured and killed with such cruelty."4
The incident occurred on July 29, when Rocky was reportedly killed during a stray dog operation conducted by the Klang Royal City Council. Witnesses claim that two council officers were present during the brutal act, which left Rocky's owner pleading for his return. The council has stated that it is leaving the investigation to the police, while the operation was conducted under local by-laws due to safety concerns from residents.8
Under Malaysia's Animal Welfare Act, animal cruelty can result in fines up to RM100,000 and three years in prison. Huda called for stricter laws, stating, "Touching a dog doesn't make you impure... it was never ever meant to be an excuse for cruelty."
As public outrage continues to grow, many are calling for a change in how animal welfare is prioritized in Malaysia, emphasizing that silence on such matters only perpetuates the problem.
“SAFM says men beat and strangled Rocky on July 29 in Port Klang, allegedly with two council officers present, and he died in front of his owner. The council leaves the matter to police; Nabila Huda begged PM Anwar Ibrahim to act, and Daphne Iking noted cruelty fines reach RM100,000.”
thestar.com.my
