In a statement today, Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) called for the perpetrator to be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“SAFM denounces this act of cruelty in the strongest possible terms. The act of skinning an animal alive is barbaric and unacceptable in any civilised society,” said SAFM president Kalaivanan Ravichandran.

Kalaivanan urged anyone with information or who might have witnessed the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.

He said reports had already been lodged with the police and veterinary services department.

Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Enactment 2015, which covers cruelty to animals, provides for a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, upon conviction.

The Daily Express previously reported that the Tawau branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) had received a complaint from the owner of a shoplot at Taman Da Hua 3 on March 19 about a dog whose back skin had been ripped off.

Kalaivanan said the dog was discovered with nearly half of its dorsal or back skin torn off, extending down to the caudal abdominal area.

“It also suffered a deep incision at the centre of the dorsal abdomen, severe muscle damage on the right hind thigh, and an open fracture wound on the right ankle,” he said.

Kalaivanan said Tawau SPCA brought the dog to a veterinary surgery clinic for emergency treatment, where a nearly three-hour surgery was performed to repair and suture the torn skin.

“Sadly, the dog suddenly stopped breathing shortly after the procedure. Despite CPR efforts and an adrenaline injection, it could not be revived.

“The cause of death is believed to be internal bleeding or organ failure due to the traumatic injuries sustained,” he said.