Animal welfare law
Animal Welfare Act 2015: cruelty isn't only beating
Many people think it only counts as cruelty if an animal is beaten to death. In fact, Section 29 of Malaysia's Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Akta 772) lists as many as 21 forms of cruelty. Here are some that are often overlooked.
Neglect can be an offence too
- Not giving enough food, clean water or shelter from the weather
- Keeping an animal on a short, heavy chain for long periods, or in a cage too small to turn around in
- Abandoning an animal so it goes hungry, cold or sick
- Leaving an animal you know is sick or injured without help
Penalties
On conviction, a fine of RM20,000 to RM100,000, or up to 3 years in prison.
If you see suspected cruelty
Not sure whether it counts? Don't hesitate: report it to the authorities and let them decide. Animals can't speak for themselves, so we have to speak up for them.
This is general information, not legal advice. The official text of the Act is the authority.
This is general pet-care information, not a diagnosis. If your pet is in trouble, contact a vet as soon as you can.
