KENINGAU: Police detained a mechanic after a video of him beating a dog to death with an iron rod went viral on social media.
The 39-year-old was arrested by members of the Keningau police's Criminal Investigations Department at a workshop in Kampung Patikang yesterday.
Keningau police chief Superintendent Yampil Garai said a report was received from a Keningau Veterinary Services Department officer, which led to the investigation and identification of the suspect.
"During questioning, the suspect admitted to being the person recorded in the incident. The investigation revealed that the video was filmed by the suspect's colleague on Oct 24 at the workshop," Yampil said today.
He added that the suspect also admitted to killing the dog.
The suspect was brought to the Keningau magistrate's court this morning, where the court granted a remand order until Nov 9 to facilitate further investigation.
"Efforts are ongoing to locate several other witnesses present during the incident," he said.
The investigation is under Section 428 of the Penal Code for mischief by killing or maiming any animal; and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities or network service.
Yesterday, a video circulated on social media showed a man repeatedly hitting a dog with an iron rod without mercy. Another individual who was filming the incident was heard laughing, sparking public outrage.
Police had previously said they were searching for two people suspected of involvement in the brutal killing of the dog.