Media statement on spraying paint on pigeon in Kelantan

31 January 2022

The increasing cases of animal abuse in Malaysia is worrying. Recently, it was reported that an animal shop owner in Kelantan is spraying paint on pigeons to increase sales at a higher price.

Spray paint might be toxic to animal. Increasing sales through such cruel conduct towards animals is unacceptable.

Animal abuse cases are becoming more common in Malaysia. Last year, there was a report of a dog being spray-painted to look like a tiger. The cruelty has drawn public ire especially from animal rights activists.

According to the director of the enforcement unit of the Department of Veterinary Services (JPV) Zaharinan Abd Aziz, there were 276 complaints of animal cruelty and negligence received from January to September 2021.

Question ought to be raised then is whether the authority is effective in curbing the mistreatment of animals? The Animal Welfare Act 2015 has provision that cruel conduct towards animals can be fined or imprisoned or both. Despite this legal provision, animal abuse continues to occur.

Therefore, more effort is required to raise public awareness to curb animal cruelty. We at the Sustainable Malaysia Association urge the authority especially the police to take this matter seriously and act accordingly.

Boey Suet Yee
Committee member of Sustainable Malaysia Association