UPM suspends safety director amid probe of dog killings

PETALING JAYA: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has temporarily suspended the director of its Occupational Safety and Health Management Office from operational duties while authorities investigate allegations of stray dog killings on campus.

In a statement on Tuesday (Oct 14), the university said the decision was made to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Veterinary Services Department (DVS).

It also said it would provide full cooperation to the authorities throughout the investigation process.

It was earlier reported that 18 stray dogs were allegedly shot dead on the campus.

“UPM expresses its regret and apologies for the incident involving the handling of stray dogs,” the statement read.

UPM has also suspended all stray animal management activities within the campus until a new standard operating procedure (SOP) is developed.

The new SOP, it said, will balance human safety, animal welfare and adherence to the Animal Welfare Act 2015.

In addition, UPM also said it will hold discussions with relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable and humane methods for managing stray animals on campus in the future.

Recently, animal activists have called for a thorough investigation of the incident.

The Association for the Protection of the Natural Heritage of Malaysia (Peka) lodged a police report, claiming the university’s Occupational Safety and Health office had instructed a contractor to carry out the shootings.

The group demanded accountability from UPM and the DVS, warning of a protest if no action is taken.

UPM previously said it had set up a committee to probe the claims and maintained that all its animal management actions follow ethical and legal standards.