Cover image via @myforeverdoggo (Instagram)
The Kuala Terengganu High Court has rejected the Terengganu government and Besut district council's bid to dismiss a lawsuit over the killing of a stray dog named Kopi
According to FMT, lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan said the court dismissed the application with costs, adding that the case would be heard on its merits in August.
"This is a huge win for animal rights in Malaysia generally and a positive first step towards obtaining justice for Kopi, who was murdered in cold blood," he told FMT.
The stray dog became known for her gentle nature when a video of her playing with a stray kitten went viral. Her death sparked widespread outrage from animal rights activists and the public.
Image via @myforeverdoggo (Instagram)
Four activists are suing the state government and district council over the alleged unlawful killing of Kopi during a stray culling operation by the Besut local council in October last year
The plaintiffs — Dr Kartini Farah Abdul Rahim, S Mukunnan, Hong Hai San, and S Shashi Kumar — are contending that the killing of Kopi violates Sections 29(e) and 30(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which prohibit causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and killing an animal with a firearm, respectively.
The activists are also seeking a court declaration that shooting animals is prohibited by law, unless it falls within the exceptions listed in the act, which is with veterinary approval or when the animal poses imminent danger to human life.
They are also challenging that the Besut Dog Licensing By-Laws conflicts with the Animal Welfare Act, which allows an officer to kill any licensed or unlicensed dog whose owner can't be found.
The court has set 13 August to make its final decision regarding the lawsuit.
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Image via SAYS
