KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — The Animal Welfare Act 2015 contains no clear provision making it an offence for a dog owner to fail to intervene when dogs fight, the Penang Veterinary Services Department (DVS) has said.

The Star reported that the department issued a statement on the matter after reviewing a complaint and footage of a dog attacking a smaller stray at Pearl Hill in Tanjung Bungah.

“There is no clear provision under the Act that (makes it) an offence by an owner for an animal fight or for failing to stop the fight,” DVS was quoted as saying.

However, it said action could be considered under Section 8 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 if there was evidence that someone had encouraged or prompted an animal to attack, alarm or frighten another person or animal.

DVS advised members of the public to lodge a police report if they had evidence of such conduct so the matter could be investigated under the relevant laws.

The clarification followed viral footage showing a licensed mixed-breed dog repeatedly lunging at and biting the smaller white stray, known locally as Tim, while its owner appeared to hold its leash.