Cover image via @shimaaris (Instagram)
The International Islamic University Malaysia Student Union (IIUMSU) has been accused of animal cruelty after a video surfaced showing individuals throwing firecrackers at dogs
According to animal activist Shima Aris, the alleged animal abuse has been taking place on IIUM's Gombak campus since last year.
Sharing a purported WhatsApp group chat message among IIUMSU members, she claimed that the student union organised an operation using firecrackers to "deter stray dogs" on 29 October 2024.
Dubbed the "dogs deter operation", IIUMSU allegedly posted a video on Instagram showing its members using flashlights to search for stray dogs in groups and setting off firecrackers on the road late at night to scare them away.
The video has since been removed, but Shima has reuploaded it, stitched with other footage, on her Instagram. You can watch it below. Viewer discretion is advised:
Shima claimed that IIUMSU members constantly reported the stray dogs to authorities and took matters into their own hands, prompting the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) to set up traps on campus
"I have checked and there haven't been any dog attacks on the campus! All the dogs wanted was to seek shelter and find food.
"I had no choice but to put traps in the campus because of this student union. Instead of focusing on their studies, they decided to complain and show all of us that they cannot live in harmony with God's creatures.
"Shame on you, IIUM. I hope you take action against these students who are supposed to set good examples for other students. Instead, they show cruelty towards these innocent animals," Shima wrote on Monday, 10 March.
It is understood that she and her team have rescued 20 dogs from the campus to prevent any further potential abuse.
Of the 20, three stray dogs reportedly suffered severe head wounds. A veterinarian reportedly told her that the injuries were burn wounds, which later worsened due to maggot infection.
Image via @shimaaris (Instagram)
After Shima called IIUMSU out on social media, several IIUM students stepped forward to voice their distrust in the student union
The animal activist also accused IIUMSU of using her dog rescue photos to claim credit for its operation.
During one of the joint rescue missions, Shima accused IIUMSU of falsely claiming to be the primary organiser.
She claimed that students' distrust in IIUMSU was so significant that the union allegedly received only RM20 in donations, as many felt it was taking credit for others' efforts.
Meanwhile, other students reported seeing bloodstains on the campus floor and hearing animals screaming in pain.
SAYS has reached out to IIUM for a statement but has yet to receive a response.
Shima said she has spent RM17,733 on medical fees for the rescued dogs so far. Those who wish to donate can transfer to her Maybank account (5123-3435-7979), with "IIUM babies" as the reference.
To stay updated on the latest developments, follow Shima on Instagram here.
Image via @shimaaris (Instagram)
