PETALING JAYA: Melaka police are investigating the abuse of a dog after an animal welfare group claimed it had been found partially skinned alive at an industrial area in Krubong.

Melaka Tengah police chief Christopher Patit said a report was lodged this afternoon that the complainant and representatives of several animal welfare NGOs had gone to the location at about 3pm on Friday after receiving information about a seriously injured dog.

“The dog was found to have severe injuries on its body and neck, believed to be from abuse. A person who frequently feeds stray dogs in the area took the injured dog to a veterinary clinic for treatment but the injuries and infection were found to be too serious.

“On the veterinarian’s advice, the dog was euthanised to avoid prolonging its suffering,” Patit said in a statement tonight.

He said the authorities take a serious view of any form of animal abuse and a thorough investigation into animal cruelty will be conducted under the Animal Welfare Act, which provides penalties for fines between RM20,000 and RM100,000 and up to three years’ jail or both.

Earlier today, animal welfare group Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia had called for immediate action by the police and veterinary services department. The group posted a video and graphic photographs showing the injuries to the dog’s lower back and legs.