THE Veterinary Services Department will investigate the alleged abuse of a dog at the Malaysia Dog Training Centre in Puchong, Selangor.

Its director-general, Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam, said animal training providers or operators were liable to a fine of not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM100,000, or jail of not more than three years, or both, if found guilty of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.

“The department will investigate this case,” he said in a statement, following a video posted on social media allegedly showing a dog being abused at the centre.

He said operators of animal training centres would be required to obtain licences before operating or setting up the centres once the regulation for the licensing of such centres, under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, was completed.

“Any person who contravenes the provisions of Section 15 of the act is liable to a fine of not less than RM15,000 and not more than RM75,000, or jail of not more than two years, or both.”

The alleged dog abuse was reported by the Malay Mail.

Animal rights activist N. Surendran said the authorities must regulate animal training centres to avoid cases of abuse, as currently, companies or individuals offering such services were not subjected to any conditions or governed by local laws. – Bernama, December 30, 2017.