(Klang, July 31) Public outrage over a Klang dog being strangled during a council stray-catching operation on July 29 has translated into more than 1,000 complaints filed with the Department of Veterinary Services, as the dog's owner, animal welfare advocates and the general public demand a full investigation into Rocky's death. The municipal council has defended its officers, while acknowledging the tragic outcome.
Owner Kneels to Plead
The owner told police that when she found Rocky on the evening of July 29 at Jalan Sama Gagah 20, Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, his neck was already encircled by a catching loop. She and her children asked the people present to release him and were ignored. She knelt in front of the enforcement team and begged for Rocky's release. A struggle over the loop followed; it tightened as it was pulled and the officers were unable to remove it before Rocky died. The owner filed a police report and said neighbours had reported seeing Rocky struck on the head with a metal rod before the loop was attached — something she did not witness herself.
Council's Official Position
The Klang municipal council said Rocky had no dog licence and was therefore classified as a stray. Its statement described a group of people interfering with the operation, one of whom wielded a knife and threatened self-harm if the dog was not released, and another who pulled uncontrollably at the loop until it had tightened beyond rescue. The council said the loop met ministry standards and expressed regret. It also confirmed that a police report had been filed by the council regarding obstruction of enforcement and the knife threat.
Background: Stray Dog Problem
The July 29 operation responded to sustained resident complaints about strays. A July 13 incident in which a motorcyclist was chased by a dog, fell and suffered a head injury that briefly caused unconsciousness — requiring hospitalisation — had prompted the formal request for action. The operation ran from 8.30pm to midnight, with 11 staff, one officer and around 50 residents participating, and resulted in 12 dogs being caught.
Over 1,000 Complaints; Rocky's Body Sent for Post-Mortem
Animal welfare advocate Ho Kun posted on Facebook that Rocky's body had been sent to the veterinary department for a post-mortem and that the owner had submitted her reports to the relevant authorities. He noted that more than 1,000 complaints had been received — a number he said showed that the public was not prepared to let the matter pass. He said he was heartbroken and called for full accountability. Police confirmed an investigation is ongoing.