Cover image via @shimaaris (Instagram)
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
Disclaimer: Images and videos may be distressing for some. Viewer discretion is advised.
The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has responded after receiving more than 1,920 public reports about an allegedly abandoned veterinary clinic in Damansara Damai, Petaling Jaya, where the carcasses of a dog and a cat were found
The case was highlighted on social media on Wednesday, 17 December, by Stray Free Foundation and animal rescuer Shima Aris, who accused the vet who owned the clinic of cruelty and neglect.
According to the claims, the vet had abandoned the clinic and left two cats and a dog confined in cages, where they allegedly died from starvation. A photo shows the dog's body stuck halfway through a metal cage, which it is believed to have chewed through before dying.
"A fellow rescuer reached out for help. A dead dog in a cage and a dead cat in a carrier was found. The clinic was abandoned with its door left open and in filthy condition," Shima wrote.
"As seen in the photos and videos, they died in agony, calling for help that went unheard," she added.
Shima said two veterinarians who accompanied her estimated that the animals had been dead for between seven and 10 days. She also said one cat was rescued alive and is currently receiving treatment at another veterinary clinic.
Following the surge in reports and public outrage, DVS confirmed that it has conducted an inspection of the premises
"The inspection, led by animal welfare officers, found one cat carcass and one dog carcass in separate cages," DVS said in a statement.
The department added that the carcasses have been sent to the Central Zone Veterinary Laboratory in Salak Tinggi, Sepang, for post-mortem examinations.
DVS said action has been taken under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code to summon the individual suspected of involvement to appear at its office to record a statement.
Investigations are ongoing to identify additional witnesses who could help verify the viral footage.
In subsequent posts, Shima alleged that more cats had previously died from starvation while under the care of the same vet at the clinic
The vet had allegedly offered boarding services, charging between RM100 and RM200 per month, but neglected the animals, including confining up to five cats in a single cage.
The dead dog was reportedly left in the vet's care by a woman who could no longer care for it, with the vet allegedly assuring her that she would help rehome the animal.
