Man arrested over viral video showing cat abuse in Old Klang Road apartment

MALAYSIA: Police arrested A 43-year-old man has been tracking the circulation of a viral video depicting the brutal treatment of a cat in an apartment on Old Klang Road in Kuala Lumpur.

The video, shared by the Malaysian Animal Society on November 23, sparked outrage among netizens.

In the footage, viewed more than 10,000 times, a man dressed in a black T-shirt and shorts is seen dragging a gray cat with a rope around its neck.

The cat is visibly distressed throughout the clip, meowing and trying to escape.

At one point the cat limps, collapses sideways, and leaves a trail of urine behind; this is believed to be due to the extreme pain he endured.

Malaysian Animal Society president Arie Dwi Andika strongly condemned the act and called on the person who recorded the incident to report it to the police and help identify the perpetrator.

The organization is offering a reward of RM3,000 (S$907) to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest, trial and punishment of the suspect.

City police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa confirmed that the suspect was apprehended by the Brickfields Serious Crime Investigation Unit (D9) at 6.10pm on November 24.

“He will be arrested while the investigation continues under Article 428 of the Penal Code for the crime of harming an animal by killing or maiming it,” he said.

Article 428 of the Criminal Code provides for a prison sentence of up to three years, a fine, or both upon conviction.

Authorities are urging the public to assist the investigation by providing additional information.

Anyone with relevant details is advised to call the Kuala Lumpur police hotline at 03-2115 9999 or the Brickfields police hotline at 03-2297 9222.

Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM), a non-profit organization dedicated to dealing with cases of animal cruelty, is also calling on the public to play an active role in addressing animal abuse and neglect.

SAFM recommends Individuals document incidents by taking photographs or videos and report them immediately.

Reports can be made via SAFM’s hotline at 013-706 6770 or directly to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

Under Animal Welfare Act 2015Perpetrators of animal cruelty can be held accountable for their actions, facing fines or imprisonment.