Inspectorate
Do Not Abandon Pets
Under the Animal Welfare Act (2015) it is illegal to abandon ‘any animal in circumstances which the animal is likely to suffer trauma, pain or suffering by reason of relocation, starvation, thirst, injury or illness.
This provision was included to deter irresponsible pet owners from discarding their pets.
Unfortunately, there are still many owners who abandon their pets in spite of there being laws in place. Many of the reported cases we receive are about pet neglect.
Cases of neglect include:
Small domestic animals housed in cages with wire flooring, fed inadequate diets, and/or left in a corridor without human company for most of the day
Cats and dogs caged or tied up for long periods and/or in dirty conditions. Owners often say they have no time to clean the cages or are seldom home. The novelty of having a pet has obviously worn off. Veterinary care is not even considered by some.
Excuses often cited for such cases of neglect are that the animal is “destroying the house”, “cannot be toilet trained” or is “too active”. Neglecting the animal becomes a convenient way out for the owner, and the animal ends up spending most of their time confined and overlooked.
There are currently no laws in Malaysia addressing these issues. However, animals deserve our respect and should not be subjected to prolonged periods where their freedom to move about is denied and their well-being is neglected.
Our Inspectors visit the premises in question to verify cruelty reports before proceeding to counsel the owners.
We refer more serious cases that require enforcement action by the authorities to DVS.
How You Can Help
- Immediately call the police (999), DVS 019-6600177 (detail information as below) and PPHM’s 24/7 hotline, +6012-998 6072
- Take a picture or video of the suspect if it is safe to do so. Note any distinguishing features of the person and clothing/accessories worn or vehicle numbers.
- If the animal is dead, do not move the body. Note the exact location (street name/bus stop number/lamp post number etc.). Take a picture of the animal and the surrounding area. Forward all images/videos to [email protected].
- If you witness other types of cruelty and would like us to investigate, please fill in our cruelty complaint form.
- If any animal appears to be in urgent need of attention, please call our hotline immediately (+6012-998 6072).
Ketua Penguatkuasa Veterinar Negeri (DVS)
Jab. Perkhidmatan Veterinar Negeri Melaka
Jalan Ayer Keroh,
75450 Melaka.
website: http://www.dvs.gov.my/
06-232 5102 (General line)
06-232 6144 (Fax)
019-660 0177 (Mobile)
Encik Mohammad Nizam bin Abdullah
email: [email protected]
To lodge a non-emergency report, please fill in our cruelty complaint form. Your identity will be strictly confidential.
Our inspectorate will require evidence (photos/videos) from eye-witnesses and the address to be able to work with the authorities.
Kindly note that PPHM DOES NOT have legal rights to:
a) Seize people’s pets
b) Rehome people’s pets without the owners’ permission
c) Prosecute offenders
d) Request for and/or view CCTV footage
We are not a government organisation, but we will work with the legal authorities on advisory terms.
Hence, we recommend that you also alert DVS via their website http://www.dvs.gov.my/ or contact information below.
Ketua Penguatkuasa Veterinar Negeri (DVS)
Jab. Perkhidmatan Veterinar Negeri Melaka
Jalan Ayer Keroh,
75450 Melaka.
website: http://www.dvs.gov.my/
06-232 5102 (General line)
06-232 6144 (Fax)
019-660 0177 (Mobile)
Encik Mohammad Nizam bin Abdullah
email: [email protected]
PPHM will record the complaint in writing and investigate, or assist with the relevant authorities with investigations.
In relation to improper treatment of pets by owners, our inspectors will counsel and advise them on how to improve the conditions for their pets and do follow up checks if necessary. Serious cases will be referred to DVS.
In extreme cases of animal cruelty, PPHM will assist or follow up with police investigations by arranging official post-mortem reports and preliminary veterinary reports if necessary.
However, please note that PPHM DOES NOT have legal rights to:
a) Seize people’s pets
b) Rehome people’s pets without the owners’ permission
c) Prosecute offenders
d) Request for and/or view CCTV footage
The PPHM is not a governmental organisation. Only the police and the Department Of Veterinary Services (DVS) have the power to take legal action in cruelty cases.
Witnesses are advised to lodge a police report immediately and call PPHM at +6012-998 6072. PPHM keeps all information and contact details strictly confidential, except in cases where a witness is required to testify; details have to be sent to the authorities.
Pet neglect has been a growing concern. Many cases involve dogs tied up or kept in small cages for long periods of time with minimal or no exercise and socialisation. Other cases of neglect involve rabbits and cats confined in small areas, sometimes without water supply or a hygienic environment. Some rabbits are left in dirty cages at the housing corridors without any form of interaction.
Another common issue is pet abandonment.
Under the Malaysia Animal Welfare Act (2015) it is illegal to abandon any animal in circumstances which the animal is likely to suffer trauma, pain or suffering by reason of relocation, starvation, thirst, injury or illness.