GEORGE TOWN: Twenty seven dogs died believed to be due to poisoning around a condominium in Tanjung Bungah here between July 4 and 6.
One of the dogs, a six-year-old Husky named Lilou, is believed to have died after consuming food or grass contaminated with poison near the Mira Residence condominium.
Penang Veterinary Services Department regulatory division head Dr Tishrin Muhamad Ismail said it received complaints about the incident on July 10 and 14.
He said an autopsy to confirm the cause of the dogs' deaths could not be conducted because complainants had informed them that the animals had been buried or burned by residents to avoid a foul stench in the area.
"We regret receiving the complaint late and when the animals have decomposed. We cannot proceed to identify the cause of death, including confirming the type of poison used.
"In the case of the Husky's death, we did not receive a report and only learned about it from news published in a portal today. The news was about one dog which had been kept at home.
"We also conducted an investigation at the scene and did not find anything suspicious including signs of poison being placed in food or water containers."
He said based on initial checks, the incident may have stemmed from dissatisfaction of certain people about the presence of about 20 ro 30 stray dogs which allegedly roamed and defecated around the residential area.
He said this is the second time they have received complaints related to dog deaths in the area. Last year, authorities received a report of four dog carcasses found in plastic bags and discarded like trash.
State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H'ng Mooi Lye said so far, they have not found any evidence, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings, to assist in the investigation of the case.
He said the authorities will not compromise with any acts of animal abuse and mistreatment; adding that offenders could be charged under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
"The investigation is still ongoing, and we ask for people to submit any recordings or evidence what happened to help with the investigation. Please hand such information to us because we are very concerned over this serious matter.
"In addition to dogs, birds have also died due to this act. We also urge dog owners to comply with the law. The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has also been instructed to conduct more frequent patrols."
Those with information on the case may contact the MBPP at 04-263 7637 or 04-263 7000.