Public Outrage as Stray Dog Shot by Kuala Terengganu City Council Sparks Justice Demand

By Loshinniy Nair S. Baskaran,

13th OCTOBER: A viral stray dog, Kopi, was shot and killed during a culling operation by the Kuala Terengganu City Council on October 6, causing widespread outrage. Kopi, who gained online fame for her friendly demeanor and bond with a stray kitten, was found bleeding by a resident who heard gunshots nearby.

Despite attempts to save her, Kopi succumbed to her injuries. The animal welfare group, My Forever Doggo, condemned the incident, stressing the importance of humane treatment for stray animals. Kopi had become a beloved figure in the community due to her gentle and caring nature towards other strays, which made her death particularly heart-wrenching.

Following the incident, Malaysians took to social media, demanding accountability and justice for the inhumane treatment of stray animals. Calls for the Kuala Terengganu City Council to adopt more humane methods for controlling the stray population have gained significant momentum, with many urging for better animal welfare policies.

The incident has reignited the debate over the treatment of strays in Malaysia, with numerous animal rights groups calling for reforms in how local councils handle stray animals. Malaysians continue to express their grief and outrage, making it clear that Kopi’s death has left a deep impact, with many advocating for change to ensure that no other animal suffers the same fate.

This case has brought attention to the need for stricter animal protection laws and better collaboration between authorities and animal welfare organizations, as stated in Astro Ulagam.