(Klang, July 31) The circumstances that led to a Klang dog being strangled during a council stray-catching operation on July 29 have emerged from two very different accounts — one from the dog's owner and one from the municipal council — as police continue to investigate and the veterinary department processes more than 1,000 complaints received in connection with the case. Rocky, the dog at the centre of the incident, had his body sent for a post-mortem examination.
Owner Kneels to Plead
According to the owner, the incident at Jalan Sama Gagah 20, Taman Teluk Gedung Indah in Port Klang took place at around 10.50pm on July 29. She said she found Rocky with a loop already secured around his neck. She and her children repeatedly asked those handling the operation to release the dog and received no response. She then knelt on the ground before the enforcement team and begged for Rocky to be let go, but the situation escalated. The loop tightened during the struggle that followed, and officers were unable to remove it in time. Rocky died. She filed a police report and noted that neighbours had told her Rocky had been struck on the head with a metal rod before the loop was applied, a detail she could not personally confirm.
Council's Official Position
The council stated that Rocky had never been registered with a dog licence, and was therefore treated as a stray under the relevant regulations. The council said its officers were acting lawfully when a group of bystanders interfered. One individual attempted to use a knife to cut through the catching loop and threatened to harm himself if the dog was not freed. A second person pulled repeatedly and uncontrollably at the loop, causing it to tighten beyond the point at which officers could intervene safely. The council said the equipment met the required ministry standards and expressed regret at the outcome.
Background: Stray Dog Problem
A motorcyclist on Jalan Sungai Sama Gagah 19B on July 13 had been chased by a stray dog, fallen and suffered a head injury that caused a temporary loss of consciousness, prompting residents to formally request action. The July 29 operation involved 11 municipal staff, one officer and around 50 assisting residents, and ended with 12 dogs caught.
Over 1,000 Complaints; Rocky's Body Sent for Post-Mortem
Animal welfare campaigner Ho Kun confirmed that Rocky's body had been sent for post-mortem examination and that the veterinary department had received more than 1,000 complaints. He called for accountability and said he was heartbroken to have seen Rocky's remains. Police confirmed investigations are continuing.
