Animal group presses authorities to answer questions over dog catching operation that killed Rocky

An animal welfare group has urged the authorities to answer several key questions surrounding the death of a pet dog named Rocky during a catching operation by Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) enforcement personnel.

Among the issues raised by the animal society (SAFM) are whether there was an official directive for the operation, who led it, who caught the animal, and whether members of the public took part.

Its president, Kalaivanan, also questioned the type of equipment used.

"Who fitted, held and controlled the device? Was Rocky pulled or dragged during the operation? What did the officers do while Rocky was still in the noose? Why was the noose not released earlier?" he asked at a "Justice for Rocky" press conference in Petaling Jaya today. (Quote translated from Bahasa Malaysia.)

He urged MBDK to disclose its operation records and a full report on the incident.

Kalaivanan said SAFM received a complaint from Rocky's owner, Roghini Devi, via the association's official WhatsApp on July 30 before examining video footage, documents and witness information.

He said SAFM advised Roghini to use official channels and cooperate fully with the police (PDRM) and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), and helped coordinate legal assistance when she was called to give a statement at the South Klang district police headquarters.

"SAFM's role is not to take over the work of PDRM or DVS. Our role is to help the complainant get guidance, support and access to the right channels... We want this case to move through the real process, not stop at a viral video," he said.

A video showing Rocky's death during the operation at Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang, had earlier gone viral. The incident is said to have occurred on July 29 at about 10.50pm.

Kalaivanan alleged Rocky was struck on the head before being caught, while Roghini claimed the dog still had a noose around its neck when she arrived. Roghini also claimed her right hand was hit with a stick and that she was pulled away while trying to save Rocky.

However, Kalaivanan said SAFM was not drawing conclusions on the cause of death, as that must be determined through official DVS examination and investigation.

He said licensing issues could not justify neglecting animal welfare. "The absence of a licence does not give anyone the right to cause unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal," he said.

Responding to MBDK's claim that the operation followed standard operating procedures, he cited Housing and Local Government Ministry Circular No 5 of 2015, which states dogs must be caught with care and must not be pulled, jerked, dragged or lifted using a loop.

He said the case opened the way for the Selangor government to review SOPs on animal catching operations. "We are not saying don't catch. We are saying catch with care, without elements of violence against animals."

MACAMI president Salehatul Khuzaimah Mohammad Ali said the case should serve as a lesson, adding that stray dog issues need long-term solutions and SOPs must keep improving to balance animal welfare and public safety.