Hundreds of Malaysians gathered at the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) headquarters in Putrajaya to participate in a #JusticeForKopi rally, calling for accountability following the controversial death of a stray dog named Kopi.
Organized by the Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) and supported by other animal rights organizations, the event aimed to demand justice and push for humane treatment of stray animals​.
Learn what happened here:
Submission of a Memorandum
The memorandum outlines demands for accountability from the Besut District Council (MDB), whose personnel were implicated in the shooting of Kopi.
Activists are also calling for better enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and advocating for humane alternatives to managing stray animals, such as the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method.
Protesters Demand Change
Participants held banners and placards denouncing the actions of the authorities and urging for policy reforms to prevent similar incidents. The rally also served as a platform for activists and the public to voice concerns over the handling of stray animals across Malaysia.
Growing Public Support
The #JusticeForKopi campaign has gained significant traction, with petitions gathering over 29,400 signatures.
Malaysians have expressed outrage over the incident, with many questioning the ethics of local councils in managing stray populations.
Today’s rally is part of the ongoing pressure from NGOs and citizens demanding transparent investigations and stricter policies to protect animal welfare.
The SAFM, along with other organizations, vowed to continue their advocacy, ensuring that the tragic death of Kopi leads to meaningful changes in animal welfare practices across the country.