KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 — Penang authorities have seized a licensed dog after a viral video showed it repeatedly attacking a smaller stray in Tanjung Bungah, with the incident now under investigation under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
According to The Star, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) said it seized the dog today after receiving a complaint through its official WhatsApp channel yesterday over the incident at Pearl Hill.
The attack is believed to have happened a day earlier.
MBPP said checks found that the dog had a valid licence and was registered as a mixed breed. The complaint has since been referred to the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) for investigation.
“MBPP will cooperate with DVS regarding further action in the matter,” the council said in a statement.
Footage of the incident, which circulated widely online, shows the dog repeatedly lunging at and biting a smaller white stray while its owner appears to be holding its leash.
The stray, known locally as Tim, struggles to break free before a woman approaches carrying a long stick and drives the attacking dog away.
A separate video later showed Tim limping, with what appeared to be an injury to its left front leg.
It could not immediately be confirmed whether the injury was caused by the attack.
Tim was subsequently taken to a veterinary clinic for treatment and is understood to be in stable condition, according to The Star.
Penang DVS director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab said the department would investigate the incident under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
MBPP said it was treating the case seriously and would determine what action to take once the investigation was completed.
“MBPP takes this incident seriously and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation and the relevant laws in force,” it said.
