The department said it will also provide updates on its investigation into the incident being carried out under the Animal Welfare Act.

In a statement, it said the incident took place during an operation on Oct 6 at Kampung Raja, Paya Rawa, Pengkalan Nyireh, Air Tawar, Tanjung Demong, Gelam Mas and Jertih in Terengganu’s Besut district.

The operation involved 25 officers and staff from the Besut district council, the Besut district veterinary office and the office of the Kota Putera assemblyman.

The NGOs, led by the Global Human Rights Federation, claim that municipal officers tasked with managing the stray population often resort to inhumane practices, including beating the dogs with iron rods and dragging them by the neck.

They said such actions cause either severe injuries to the dogs or lead to their death.

In the memorandum addressed to veterinary services director Dr Akma Nga Hamid, they called on the department to enforce the Animal Welfare Act and take action against officers violating the law.

Kopi went viral on social media in March for playing with a stray cat.

A coalition of animal rights groups has since said it would file a civil suit against the Besut district council for shooting Kopi. A police report was also lodged over Kopi’s killing.