In December 2024, a shocking discovery at Universiti Malaya (UM) in Kuala Lumpur left students and animal lovers heartbroken. Four cats were found dead in brutal conditions, raising concerns about the safety of stray animals on campus.
The tragic events began when two dead cats were found near the Faculty of Business and Economics, their bodies severely mutilated. Shortly after, two more cats were discovered in similar horrific conditions near residential areas.
Initial Speculation: Blame Shifted to Stray Dogs
As news of the cat deaths spread, CCTV footage showed stray animals near the areas where the cats were found, leading to accusations against stray dogs. SAFM stepped in, urging a careful and thorough investigation. They emphasized that innocent animals should not be blamed without evidence, stressing the importance of fairness and caution to avoid deepening stigma and distracting from the true cause.
SAFM's Findings: Evidence Doesn't Match Dog Attacks
SAFM quickly launched an investigation into the deaths. After examining the cats’ remains, they found that the injuries, including severed limbs, didn’t match typical dog bites. Dog bites usually cause jagged, uneven tears, especially around the neck. In contrast, the injuries appeared to be caused by a sharp object, suggesting they could have been caused by a human.
However, SAFM stressed that it was too early to conclude and called for a more thorough forensic analysis to better understand what happened.
The Urgency for Investigation
On December 18, 2024, SAFM advised university representatives and animal welfare groups to report the incident to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and local police. A formal report has been submitted for a thorough investigation, but an autopsy couldn’t be performed due to the decomposition of the cat bodies. While initial viral footage suggested stray dogs, SAFM has called for the authorities to focus on potential human involvement, stressing that blaming stray dogs without evidence is irresponsible and harmful.
The Need for Forensic Analysis: DNA and Injury Patterns
SAFM has requested forensic analysis, including DNA testing and checks for animal saliva or fur, to determine if stray animals were involved. These tests could provide key evidence about the injuries’ cause. Additionally, examining the timeline of the injuries concerning the cats’ time of death could reveal whether the wounds were inflicted before or after death.
Stray Animal Welfare in Malaysia: A Growing Concern
The tragic deaths of cats at Universiti Malaya highlight a deeper issue: how we treat stray animals. Stray cats and dogs often suffer mistreatment and neglect, relying on human kindness for survival. SAFM calls on society to move past stigma and address the root causes, like irresponsible pet ownership and inadequate care.
Rajesh Nagarajan of Lawyers for Animal Rights expressed a strong belief that a “psychopath” was operating on the UM campus, brutally killing the cats. He referenced a medical report from a private veterinarian who examined one of the deceased cats, which stated that the limbs were severed in a manner consistent with being done by a sharp weapon.
Boonuu stands with SAFM in demanding justice for these innocent lives and is committed to supporting animal welfare. As a one-stop platform for all pet care needs, we believe every animal deserves love, respect, and kindness.
