This follows a series of reports about animal abuse. In the latest case, police in Sungai Petani arrested a man on suspicion of subjecting stray cats to cruelty.

Speaking to FMT, animal rights lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan alleged that the veterinary services department (JPV) was “extremely ineffective and slow” in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act and that this had emboldened perpetrators.

“The laws are quite simply not a deterrent because there is hardly any enforcement,” he said.

“The government must appoint competent people to helm JPV to ensure the welfare of all animals.”

Karin Lee of the activist group Give for Paws said the authorities must ensure offenders were appropriately punished.

In the Sungai Petani case, a man was caught on a storefront CCTV luring a cat with food and throwing a stone at its head while it was eating.

The footage showed him proceeding to the back alley of the premises to lure another cat, which he kicked before leaving.

Lee applauded the swift action of the police in remanding the suspect, but said she hoped such a response would be the norm instead of an exception.

“We need this calibre of swift action in all cases reported throughout the country,” she said. “Only then will there be an effective deterrence against such cruel acts.”

Lee, whose organisation helps homeless animals, said animal cruelty should not be taken lightly and urged the public to report or intervene in cases of abuse or neglect.

“The public must follow up with JPV and the police after lodging reports to demand stricter enforcement for the protection of animals,” she said.

She said parents should teach their children to respect animals and the public should use social media to seek assistance for any animal in need of shelter or adoption.