Multiple stray cats were recently discovered dead and mutilated at Universiti Malaya (UM), sparking public outrage and calls for justice.
The series of deaths has horrified the UM community, with many students expressing grief and anger over the cruelty inflicted on the cats.
While some incidents have been officially recorded, eyewitness reports suggest the number of affected animals may be higher, prompting demands for thorough investigations.
Quick Recap Of Deaths Reported
The case was first brought to the public’s attention through a few posts on the social media platform RED (小红书) revealing the discovery of dead cats on the campus since 12 December 2024.
At least two cases, reported on 12 and 16 December 2024, involved severe injuries such as severed limbs and abdominal mutilations.
The UM Student’s Union issued a statement on 17 December to condemn the incidents as “horrifying and unacceptable,” calling for a thorough investigation.
However, more cats were found to be injured and killed on 20 December.
According to China Press, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) issued a statement yesterday (21 Dec), revealing that it received a second complaint on 20 December regarding the deaths of four cats on Universiti Malaya’s campus.
The locations mentioned include areas near the library, the Faculty of Business and Economics, the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and the Japanese Cultural Research Center.
Harian Metro reported that a cat named ‘Lily’ was allegedly the fifth cat killed on the university campus.
The discovery was shared by an Instagram user, claiming that Lily was found with all four legs appearing to have been cut off and a large wound on its body just like the previous few cats.
Brickfields District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Ku Mashariman Ku Mahmood stated that, as of now, the police have not received any reports regarding this latest incident.
Authorities: Stray Dogs Did It
Initial assessments by police and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) suggest the cats’ injuries may have been caused by attacks from wild animals, possibly stray dogs.
However, this explanation has faced scepticism from animal rights advocates and members of the public, who are urging authorities to consider the possibility of human involvement.
Activists pointed out some flaws in the report and urged for more evidence to be disclosed.
Petition By Student Union
In response to these tragic incidents, the Universiti Malaya Student Union has launched a petition titled “Petition on Proof Regarding Reasons Behind Stray Deaths | Report and Locate the UM Strays” to demand justice and transparency.
- Petition on Proof
The union is calling on the police and university management to provide substantial proof regarding the causes of the deaths of the campus cats.
They are urging students, faculty, and concerned citizens to join the fight for accountability and transparency. The petition can be signed here.
- Locate the Strays
The student union is also collecting detailed information on the locations of stray cats and dogs on campus. This effort aims to relocate the strays to a safer environment with the help of faculty representatives, university management, UM Guardians, and related NGOs.
Some activities to rescue the remaining cats within the campus were ongoing too.
Nationwide Outcry and Calls for Justice
Former Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has joined the growing chorus of voices calling for swift and decisive action.
These acts violate not only animal welfare but also the moral fabric of our society,” she said, urging authorities to prioritize the investigation.
Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for justice, with hashtags and petitions urging stricter measures against animal cruelty.
Some users have labelled the incidents as the work of a “psychopath,” while others are demanding better security measures on campus to prevent future occurrences.
Community and Activist Concerns
This incident has also reignited discussions about animal rights and welfare enforcement in Malaysia.
The DVS has reminded the public that Malaysia’s Animal Welfare Act 2015 outlines strict penalties for acts of animal cruelty.
They have encouraged anyone with information to report it through their official platform, awa.dvs.gov.my, to assist in the investigation.
While the investigation continues, students, activists, and the public are rallying for justice and hoping to ensure a safer environment for all animals on campus.
Authorities are expected to release more findings as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, the university community and the nation await concrete actions to address this issue.
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