Abuse of Stray Dogs in Malaysia: Causes, Challenges and Change

Stray dogs in Malaysia live a hidden struggle, often met with fear, indifference or even cruelty. They are chased from neighbourhoods, poisoned or left to endure pain by the roadside. It is a silent crisis we can no longer ignore.

This article explores the root causes of this issue, the challenges faced by stray dogs, and what needs to be done to create lasting change.

As Malaysia moves forward and conversations about animal rights gain momentum globally, countless strays remain trapped in this harsh reality. This article dives into the root causes of their suffering and calls for urgent change before more lives are lost.

Read more: The Harsh Reality of Animal Cruelty in Sports

Table of Content

1. Why Are Stray Dogs Abused in Malaysia?
2. Common Reasons Behind Dog Cruelty
3. Cases of Stray Dog Abuse in Malaysia
4. How to Report Animal Abuse in Malaysia
5. Solutions to Malaysia’s Stray Dog Crisis
6. What You Can Do to Help Stray Dogs in Malaysia

Abuse of Stray Dogs in Malaysia: Causes, Challenges and Change

Why Are Stray Dogs Abused in Malaysia?

In many Malaysian cities and towns, stray dogs roam the streets hungry, injured or sick. These animals are often the offspring of abandoned pets or unneutered strays left to fend for themselves. Rather than receiving care, they face hostility from the public and inhumane treatment by local authorities.

Despite the Department of Veterinary Services estimating over 100,000 stray dogs in Malaysia in 2022, meaningful national solutions remain scarce. Many strays live without protection under the law and are vulnerable to cruelty.

Until empathy, education and enforcement become priorities, these animals will continue to suffer needlessly.

Common Reasons Behind Dog Cruelty

One of the root causes of this crisis is the lack of education about animal welfare. Many Malaysians are not taught to see animals as sentient beings but rather as property or mere pets. Schools rarely include lessons on empathy towards animals or their importance in the environment, which leads to a widespread lack of compassion.

Religious and cultural misconceptions also contribute. Although Islam promotes mercy to all creatures, some communities view dogs as unclean or forbidden, resulting in fear and neglect. Despite clarifications from religious scholars about kindness to animals being a virtue, changing deeply rooted attitudes is a slow process that requires education.

The weak enforcement of animal welfare laws makes the situation worse. Malaysia’s Animal Welfare Act 2015 is seldom enforced, allowing abusers to go unpunished. Local councils often resort to mass culling by poisoning or shooting dogs, actions that violate animal rights and reflect poorly on society’s values.

Another factor is overpopulation due to limited spaying and neutering efforts. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes are rarely funded or organised, leading to rapid stray reproduction. Many dogs end up sick, starving or injured, while the stray population grows unchecked.

Perhaps the most painful issue is public apathy. It is common to see strays kicked, beaten or left to die, yet most people turn a blind eye, assuming the problem belongs to someone else. This silence allows cruelty to continue without challenge.

Behind every wounded stray is a story of abandonment, cruelty and a broken system.

Cases of Stray Dog Abuse in Malaysia

Dog skinned alive in Tawau

In one of the most disturbing cases of animal cruelty reported in Malaysia, a stray dog was found skinned alive in Tawau, Sabah in 2025. Volunteers who discovered the dog tried to save it, but it died shortly after from severe injuries.

The incident sparked outrage across the country, with many calling for justice, yet no one was held accountable. This heartbreaking case serves as a grim reminder of the brutal reality faced by strays in Malaysia, and the urgent need for stronger enforcement of animal protection laws.

Viral dog abuse in Kajang

In July 2024 a disturbing video showed a professional badminton player, Samuel Lee, repeatedly striking his husky on the balcony of a condominium in Kajang. The footage quickly went viral and triggered widespread public anger.

Animal rescuer Shima Aris managed to remove the dog (which was later named Kitster) and brought her to a veterinary clinic. The Selangor Veterinary Services Department took the case under Section 29(1)(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, and in August the court fined Lee RM 25,000 or six months in jail in default.

Poisoned strays in Penang

In July 2024, residents in Penang raised the alarm after nearly 27 stray dogs were found dead over several days from suspected poisoning. The Tanjung Bungah Residents Association described this as a potential serial attack targeting strays. Local authorities confirmed not all carcasses could be tested because many had already been removed by the time investigations began.

Patrick Khoo

In March 2023, a video circulated widely showing an elderly man, Patrick Khoo, stepping in to protect his dogs during a roundup by MBPJ enforcement officers in Taman Kanagapuram, Petaling Jaya. The footage captured the moment he was struck by a catch pole while shielding his animals, an image that shocked many and raised serious questions about the treatment of strays by local authorities.

What followed was even more troubling. Instead of action being taken against the officers involved, Patrick was arrested and charged under Section 186 of the Penal Code for allegedly obstructing a public servant. If convicted, he faced up to two years in prison, a fine of RM10,000 or both.

These cases highlight a disturbing pattern in Malaysia. Acts of compassion are sometimes punished, while meaningful protections for animals remain out of reach.

Stray dogs in Malaysia continue to suffer in silence as abuse and neglect go unchecked.

How to Report Animal Abuse in Malaysia

If you witness animal abuse in Malaysia, speak up. You can file a report with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) through their e-Aduan system or contact your nearest DVS office. It helps to include photos, videos and clear details such as the time, location and nature of the abuse.

You can also reach out to local animal welfare groups like SPCA Selangor or Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) who often assist with follow-ups. Reporting cruelty is more than just an act of kindness, it is a step towards justice for the voiceless.

How You Can Help Stray Dogs in Malaysia

Solutions to Malaysia’s Stray Dog Crisis

Addressing this crisis requires a multi-level approach:

Individuals:

1. Report abuse to the Department of Veterinary Services or trusted NGOs
2. Educate yourself and others on animal welfare
3. Adopt pets instead of buying
4. Support or volunteer for sterilisation drives

Communities:

1. Create feeding points and safe zones for strays
2. Partner with NGOs to organise Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programmes
3. Host talks and workshops to raise awareness in schools and neighbourhoods

Authorities:

1. Enforce the Animal Welfare Act fully and fairly
2. End inhumane culling methods and invest in humane stray management
3. Collaborate with animal welfare organisations instead of working against them

What You Can Do to Help Stray Dogs in Malaysia

Change begins with awareness and action. Share this article to spread the word. Volunteer your time at local shelters. Support or donate to Malaysian dog rescue groups. Speak up when you witness cruelty, as silence only helps it continue.

Stray dogs are not a nuisance but victims of neglect and misunderstanding. Until empathy, education and enforcement become priorities, these animals will continue to suffer needlessly. Every act of kindness, every adoption, every life saved sends a clear message that we can do better. To be a truly compassionate society, we must protect those who cannot speak for themselves.