PHC general manager Cheok Lay Leng said the carcasses of seven dogs, three cats and five birds were found at multiple locations this morning, with some in open areas and spotted by the public.

“There might be more. We are still looking. We found food spread along the jeep track and a few locations,” he told FMT.

“We suspect the main targets are the stray dogs. There have been claims by hikers and visitors in recent weeks that they were bitten by strays.”

Cheok said the agency will also lodge formal reports with the veterinary services department and the wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan) on Tuesday, besides conducting its own internal probe.

Earlier today, Penang Hill posted on its Facebook page that the animals were believed to have been poisoned.

“Using poison to eliminate stray animals is unacceptable and is punishable under the Penal Code (Act 574) and/or Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772) with imprisonment, a fine, or both,” it said.