In a statement, Seberang Perai Selatan police chief Chong Boo Khim said police were notified about the matter at 5.29pm yesterday.

He said a man lodged the report after trying to take the stray cat to a veterinary clinic in Simpang Ampat. According to the man, it jumped out of the back of his vehicle, hanging itself in the process.

“The man only realised (what happened) once he arrived at the clinic and then proceeded to remove the collar from the cat’s neck,” he added.

Chong said the case has been referred to the Penang veterinary department for further action.

He also warned the public against manipulating viral topics in a manner that could cause misunderstanding.

“We advise the public to obtain their information from authentic sources and not to spread unverified information,” he said.