GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Veterinary Services Department (DVS) has confirmed that a video showing dead cats and dogs stored in a freezer in Paya Terubong is an old case that has recently resurfaced online.
Penang DVS director, Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab, said that the department received reports of the discovery on Aug 9 and July 12, 2022.
According to Buletin Utama, a post-mortem was conducted to determine the cause of death of the animals.
"Samples were taken during both complaints, and the 2022 post-mortem results showed that the animals died of natural causes, with no signs of abuse.
"However, the latest post-mortem could not be performed as the carcasses had undergone autolysis, where the body tissues break down naturally due to enzymes in the body after death," she said when contacted by Harian Metro today.
Dr Saira was commenting on a viral three-minute-and-40-second video showing several dead cats and dogs, separately wrapped in plastic and stored in a freezer at a premise.
She advised the public not to continue circulating the video, as it could cause unnecessary alarm, especially among animal lovers.
Previously, a TikTok user who uploaded the video claimed that they discovered the animal carcasses at their neighbour's house in Paya Terubong while checking on two children, who were also the neighbours' adopted children, often complaining of hunger and alleged mistreatment.
Several influencers also shared posts from a woman expressing sympathy for the children after visiting them at Penang Hospital in August.
She expressed her desire to adopt the children, who were reportedly under the care of the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
Meanwhile, when asked about the latest developments, Penang JKM director, Zakaria Taib, said he would provide an update later.
"I will inform you later," he said briefly when contacted.