In a statement last night, the department said a team of animal welfare officers was sent to inspect the site after receiving information on the case.

“Initial findings revealed that the incident occurred between 9am and 3pm on Saturday, involving residents of the area during a gotong-royong event jointly organised by the building management of the housing complex,” it said.

DVS said it had recorded statements from several suspects and confiscated a sedan, sacks, and cages linked to the incident.

The case is being investigated under Section 29(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015.

“The investigation paper will be referred to the Selangor deputy public prosecutor’s office for further action,” it said.

Yesterday, Kajang police chief Naazron Abdul Yusof said two reports had been received about cats being stuffed into sacks outside an apartment building in Batu 9 Cheras.

He said the reports were lodged separately, yesterday and the day before.