What specific justification did the council cite for shooting Kopi?

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The Council's Justification for Shooting Kopi Remains Unclear Amidst Contradictory Reports

The specific justification cited by the Besut District Council (MDB) for shooting the dog named Kopi remains unconfirmed, with conflicting information emerging following the incident. The Stray Animal Feeders of Malaysia (SAFM) have highlighted that Kopi was regularly fed by an individual, which, according to the Animal Welfare Act 2015, legally designates the feeder as the animal's owner. SAFM further questioned the council's decision, noting that Kopi had not displayed any dangerous behaviour and was described as a gentle animal friendly towards humans and other animals.
SAFM's Interpretation of Animal Welfare Act 2015

SAFM stated that under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, regular feeding of an animal establishes legal ownership. They emphasized that Kopi was not a stray but was consistently provided with sustenance by a regular feeder. This interpretation suggests that culling such an animal would require adherence to specific legal protocols, which SAFM questions were followed in this instance.
Legal Provisions for Animal Culling

SAFM pointed to Section 30(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which permits the shooting of animals only under emergency circumstances or for disease control purposes. They questioned the basis for applying this section to Kopi, given the absence of any reported rabies or immediate threat to public safety. The organisation also raised concerns about the lack of humane capture methods, such as tranquilizers, being employed by the MDB prior to the shooting.
Investigation and Conflicting Statements

The Terengganu Veterinary Services Department (JPV) has initiated an investigation into the incident. However, SAFM noted a contradiction in statements, where the MDB reportedly claimed the operation was conducted in collaboration with JPV and the Besut District Veterinary Office, while JPV is simultaneously investigating the matter. This discrepancy raises questions about the coordination and transparency of the operation.
Public Outcry and Calls for Justice

The incident has garnered significant public attention, with nearly 20,000 individuals signing a petition seeking justice for Kopi. Over 65 complaints have been lodged with the JPV concerning the case. SAFM, along with other non-governmental organisations, is advocating for greater transparency in the handling of stray animals and plans to file a police report to ensure the case is thoroughly pursued.

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What specific justification did the council cite for shooting Kopi?

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