Kota Kinabalu: Animal Lovers Independent Rescuers (ALIR) said another dog was skinned to death – this time in Kg Dambai, Kionsom in Inanam.
In March and April, last year, two similar cases occurred in Tawau and Kota Belud, respectively.
The Jan 16 post on ALIR’s Facebook page had been shared widely among concerned members of the public.
The Sabah-based animal welfare group is seeking cooperation from members of the public, especially witnesses, to provide any information pertaining to the heinous act.
The post stated that the Inanam dog was already dead by the time villagers found it. The picture showed a collar around the dog’s neck, implying it had an owner.
“Anyone with information about this incident please contact us,” ALIR said, adding that owners should monitor their pets so such incident does not happen to their furry friends.
Asked if the three incidents could be linked and that a serial offender is on the loose, ALIR’s founder and President Diana Francesca (or “Dee Dee”) said it may not be the same culprit.
“I don’t think it’s the same culprit but they could possibly have the same intention – to eat the dogs.
“There’s a belief that if the dog suffered before dying, the meat would taste better,” Diana said, noting that people with such mindset is none other than deeply disturbed.
“However, if you look at the latest case, the dog is skinny, which means the dog had been starved before it was skinned. In the previous two cases in Kota Belud and Tawau – both dogs were fat, but the dog in Tawau was still alive when found.”
SPCA Kota Kinabalu, meanwhile, believes it is not an isolated incident.
“Over the past two years, there have been at least five to six reported cases of dogs being skinned alive in Sabah,” said its President Dr Stuart Chin.
“These acts represent extreme and deliberate cruelty. Skinning an animal alive is not neglect or impulsive violence – it is sadistic behaviour and reflects a grave threat to public safety and moral order within the community.
“SPCA KK has previously offered rewards and appealed for information, yet no arrests have been made. The continued lack of accountability risks emboldening the perpetrator or perpetrators and sends the wrong signal that such crimes can be committed without consequence.
“We urgently call upon the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to work together to conduct a thorough, coordinated, and transparent investigation into these cases and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
Under the Animal Welfare Enactment of the State of Sabah 2015, animal cruelty is a serious criminal offence, punishable upon conviction by a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. These penalties exist to deter precisely this kind of heinous abuse and must be enforced firmly.
Nicole Camiah, who contacted Daily Express about the skinning incident in Inanam, said she is looking to raise funds to reward the informer who could lead authorities to catch the culprit(s).
She expressed concern over how the criminal act has crept closer to the city area. Like Dee Dee, she agrees that the culprit needs to be found before they carry out another despicable act.
Unfortunately, the culprits behind the skinning to death of the two outstation dogs have yet to be found.
Meanwhile, another local-based animal NGO calls the act as “disgusting” and “heartless”.
Fair’s President Shirley Khong said, “No matter how one hates dogs there is no justification to such cruel deed.”
Shirley noted that there are many reasons dogs may not be some people’s favourite animal but it does not give them the right to abuse them.
“It is alright if one does not like dogs but please do not harm them; just avoid them. A dog is a gift from God,” she said.
Those with information on the Inanam incident can contact ALIR or FAIR at the following numbers: 016-8420421 or 016-8429595.
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