(Klang, July 31) A dog named Rocky was strangled during a stray-catching operation carried out by the Royal Town of Klang Municipal Council on the night of July 29, after its owner knelt on the ground and pleaded with enforcement officers to release the animal in a scene that has since spread widely across social media. The Klang dog strangled during the council operation has drawn fierce public reaction, with the Department of Veterinary Services receiving more than 1,000 complaints by July 31, and Rocky's body sent for a post-mortem examination.
Owner Kneels to Plead
The incident occurred at around 10.50pm on July 29 at Jalan Sama Gagah 20, Taman Teluk Gedung Indah in Port Klang. The dog owner said she had found a group of people gathering near her home with what appeared to be catching equipment, and without council enforcement officers visibly present, she did not initially realise a stray dog operation was under way. She went to look for Rocky and found him with a loop already tightened around his neck. She and her children repeatedly asked those present to release the dog but were ignored. At that point, she dropped to her knees in front of the enforcement team and begged them to let Rocky go. Despite her pleas, a struggle broke out and the loop tightened further as it was being pulled, making it impossible for the officers to remove it in time. Rocky died at the scene. The owner subsequently filed a police report. She also said neighbours had told her they witnessed Rocky being struck on the head with a metal rod before the loop was applied, though she did not see this herself.
Council's Official Position
The municipal council issued an official statement saying Rocky was classified as a stray dog because his owner had never registered him for a dog licence. All operations were conducted in accordance with the relevant bylaws, the council said. When enforcement reached Jalan Sama Gagah 20, a group of people suddenly interfered with the operation. One individual made an aggressive move, attempting to cut the loop with a knife and threatening to harm himself if the dog was not released. Another person pulled uncontrollably at the loop, causing it to tighten to the point where officers could not release it in time, resulting in Rocky's death. The council said the loop used met the standards set by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and expressed regret over the incident.
Background: Stray Dog Problem
The council said the operation had been authorised following formal complaints from Taman Teluk Gedung Indah residents about the growing number of strays causing public safety problems. On July 13, a motorcyclist on Jalan Sungai Sama Gagah 19B was chased by a stray dog, fell from the motorcycle and sustained a head injury serious enough to cause a brief loss of consciousness. The rider was taken to hospital by ambulance. The incident alarmed local residents and prompted calls for action. The July 29 operation ran from 8.30pm to midnight, with 11 municipal health unit staff and one officer participating alongside approximately 50 assisting residents. A total of 12 stray dogs were caught.
Over 1,000 Complaints; Rocky's Body Sent for Post-Mortem
Animal welfare advocate Ho Kun disclosed in a post in the Facebook group "Malaysia Protection of Stray Animals / Animal Alliance" that Rocky's body had been sent to the Department of Veterinary Services for a post-mortem examination and that the owner had submitted the relevant reports to the authorities. He said more than 1,000 complaints had already been filed with the veterinary department, a number he described as evidence that the public had not remained silent. He said he had seen Rocky's body and felt heartbroken, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability. The Klang South district police chief confirmed that a report had been received and that investigations were ongoing.
About the Author
