Based on reports, a coalition of animal rights organizations is set to file a civil lawsuit against the Besut district council following the shooting of a stray dog named Kopi earlier this month.
Animal rights lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan announced that the lawsuit will be filed in the Terengganu High Court next week, and the groups are calling for the officers involved in the incident of Oct 6 to be charged under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
He emphasized that they will not accept the police marking their report as "no further action," and have called for an end to the killing of stray dogs.
Around 100 supporters gathered at the Sentul police station to back the filing of the police report, standing in solidarity with Kopi.
The president of the Selangor Furry Future Association, also stated that the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) shall also be held accountable for the incident, adding that the group plans to submit a memorandum to DVS, demanding an end to such cruelty.
One veteran social activist Lee Lam Thye stressed the importance of prioritizing animal welfare, stating that there was no valid reason for Kopi's killing.
An animal advocate also urged government officers to exercise restraint when dealing with stray dogs, instead of resorting to lethal measures.
Kopi, who became popular on social media in March for interacting with a stray cat, was reportedly shot during a stray culling operation.
