World · Malaysia Bureau
Animal Welfare Act lacks clear provision on dog fighting, Penang DVS notes
Penang's Department of Veterinary Services has highlighted a legal gap in Malaysia's Animal Welfare Act 2015, noting the legislation does not clearly define offences for dog owners who fail to prevent fights involving their animals.
LSN Malaysia ·
The observation raises questions about enforcement capabilities under the current framework governing animal protection in the country. The Animal Welfare Act 2015, which serves as Malaysia's primary legislation for animal protection, appears to contain ambiguities regarding owner liability in dog-fighting incidents.
The Penang DVS's assessment suggests that prosecutors may face challenges in establishing clear breaches when pursuing cases against owners whose dogs engage in fights, particularly when determining responsibility for failing to prevent such incidents.
The finding points to potential legislative gaps that may require clarification or amendment to strengthen protections against animal cruelty and organised dog fighting. Animal welfare advocates have previously called for more stringent provisions to address fighting-related offences across the region.
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about animal protection standards in Malaysia and the adequacy of existing legal mechanisms to address various forms of animal abuse and exploitation.