Over the years, several disturbing incidents of animal harm have been reported at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Sintok campus. Initially, over ten dormitory cats were suspected to have been poisoned about a year ago. Subsequently, puppies were allegedly struck in a hit-and-run incident in February 2024, with the perpetrator still at large and no explanation afterwards. More recently, an official in UUM indirectly suggested the idea of “killing the dog,” via a WhatsApp conversation with someone, thus once again displaying a cruel and callous attitude as if it were a minor and insignificant action. These actions exemplify a profound disregard for animal life and a blatant violation of the law.
According to Malaysia’s Animal Welfare Act of 2015, individuals who abuse animals face a minimum fine of RM20,000, up to three years in prison, or both. Article 30 of the Act specifies that no animal may be killed by gun unless it’s authorized by the veterinary authority in an emergency, or for disease control. Furthermore, the Act states that any person who uses toxins to poison an animal without legal authority or reasonable explanation is also guilty of an offense.
Yet, these perpetrators continue to conduct their immoral acts openly on campus, indirectly encouraged by authorities who allegedly support the idea of killing animals rather than addressing the issue properly. This behaviour not only undermines their moral integrity but also shows a clear contempt for the law.
On February 26, 2024, student movement organizations, Student Progressive Front UUM (SPFUUM) and Suara Siswa UUM, submitted a memorandum titled “Five Demands and Proposals on the Issue of Abuse of Stray Animals to the Department of Security and University Management,” addressing the wrongful killings of animals. The memorandum demanded transparent handling of campus animals and a thorough investigation of animal abuse cases. However, the university has yet to provide any response or updates. We strongly condemn the university management’s indifferent attitude toward animal life. Animals are an integral part of the campus and a gift from nature. We advocate for humane population control measures such as sterilization, improved waste management to prevent attracting more strays, and the installation of proper fencing around the campus perimeter to reduce stray animals from entering. It is crucial to emphasize that killing animals should never be considered a viable solution.
Additionally, educational campaigns about animal behaviour should be promoted on campus to prevent students from unintentionally causing stress to animals, thereby achieving peaceful coexistence. The authorities should establish a transparent SOP for handling animals, as failure to do so will only lead to rumours, unease within the campus, and increase the sensitivity to any harmful suggestions or actions.
Lastly, we urge the university to re-evaluate its standards of law enforcement and to establish humane guidelines for animal handling in a transparent and public manner. Authorities should prioritize protecting the vulnerable rather than contributing to animal abuse. The university must focus on thoroughly investigating cases of animal abuse on campus instead of targeting innocent animals and exacerbating
their already difficult living conditions.
Initiated by:
SUARA SISWA UUM, STUDENT PROGRESSIVE FRONT UUM