Dog hung for entering bedroom in Kepayan

Published on: Monday, February 01, 2021

By: Dr Roslee bin Haji Abbas

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HElping Animals Rescue Team (Heart)

THE main reason why a dog should not be abused is because it is unjust. Dogs are loyal companions — and unlike humans, they do not have a vindictive nature. When dogs upset owners, it is very likely not because he or she is being unruly or naughty; rather, dogs simply act as nature intended them to. They will not stop engaging in a behaviour simply because they do not understand our standards and rules.

Humanity, kindness and compassion – the elements that seem to be lacking these days in our society. In every known case of serial killers in Malaysia before they started with humans they start with cruelty towards animals. Abuse, dismemberment. If you see someone doing any of that, they need help. We just want to make sure cases like this does not escalate into something like murder. If someone can cruelly hurt an innocent animal, there is no saying what the person can do to another human being.

We received a distress call about a life-threatening situation involving a neighbour’s dog was about to be hung to death.

On Jan. 22, at 7.30pm, a terrified and badly hurt dog had been literally hung by its owner with a rope, at Kg. Ganang in Kepayan. Immediately after receiving a call about the animal’s plight, we rushed to the scene.

The dog named Polar was choked, dragged, strangled and literally being hung on the balcony of the owner’s house. The rope was definitely strangling her. Her feet were touching the ground, but they were barely touching the ground. She was trying to whip her head left and right but could barely move it. For some unknown and very disturbing reason, the owner decided to take it out on his dog, Polar.

We are taking action and saving the lives of animals every day - it’s so fortunate Heart was there for Polar right when she needed help the most. If she hadn’t been discovered quickly, Polar would have hung herself. Luckily, Heart became aware of the situation fast. Polar was cut off of her rope and confiscated immediately. Literally you could see the imprint around her neck where she was hung. The way we found her, we couldn’t believe somebody would do that to an animal at all. We were able to check her over at the scene and, as if by a miracle, she had no serious injuries. The owner allegedly told us the doggo was misbehaving and he hanged it because he was unable to control his anger. Is he teaching his children that killing animals is a game and a sport to be proud of? Killing not only violates the Sabah Animal Welfare Enactment 2015 but it is also against the teaching of all religions.

The terrible ordeal had traumatised Polar, giving her “a shock in the mind” as Polar was constantly yawning, lip licking, air sniffing, or “shaking it off” like a wet dog- likely her brain was rattled from being hung up and spinning on a rope.

She was so disoriented she couldn’t even walk straight. The doggo was understandably very frightened and distressed. It was heartbreaking and made us feel powerless and really sad. It’s astounding that having been hung the doggo was not only still alive, but no worse for wear.

It’s really a miracle for her to survive the ordeal.

The dog was then transferred into our foster care home for a night before rushing her to the veterinary clinic the following morning. Polar was examined by a veterinarian and doesn’t appear to have suffered permanent brain damage from her injuries. The dog is in the veterinarian’s care and verified that the animal was doing OK. After discharged the dog will remain in Heart’s care pending the resolution of the criminal investigation against the owner who harmed the animal. We could not release the video of the dog taken during the ordeal because it was too graphic.

We filed a police report against the doggo’s owner after the incident. A report to the Department of Veterinary Services Sabah will ensue once we get a thorough report from the veterinarian. If you see a crime being committed against animals, it is your duty to report it and you are protected, as long as the report is made honestly. Under the Sabah Animal Welfare Enactment 2015, maltreatment of animals is punishable by a maximum fine of RM100,000 or three years jail or both upon conviction. This law will send out a strong message that offenders will be severely punished and we will no longer tolerate the abuses that defenceless animals have had to endure. The heavy penalty will be a good deterrent effect and hopefully put an end to the despicable act of cruelty against the defenceless animals.

We receive no government funding and rely on the support and kindness from our community, private donations and charity bazaar to complete our mission. Heart does not euthanise animals to make space to house others. We are a no-kill animal welfare group and work to preserve life whenever possible.

We rely on donations from people like you who are willing to spend their hard-earned money to help animals in dire needs. If you would like to help to pay for POLAR’S medical veterinary bill and her other expenses please send your money to:

(Local donation)

CIMB BANK BERHAD

Account no.

70 3762569 4

ROSLI @ ROSLEE BIN ABBAS

DONATE - POLAR

And every ringgit helps! Thank you in advance for your generous, big and small (and no donation is too small).

Have A Heart. Donate.