Dognapping claims in Malaysia spark fear and anger on social media

KUALA LUMPUR – Dog owners have been cautioned to keep an eye on their pets and to call the police if they spot a group of people claiming to be from a company appointed as dogcatchers by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Social media users have left reviews on the company’s profile and tagged it, warning others of these alleged “dognappers” who purportedly demanded money for any captured dog’s release.

A netizen identified as Thomas Bernthaler claimed in a post that his dog was nearly stolen.

“(This) despite the dog wearing a visible DBKL tag.

“They ran towards my dog while (I was walking her) on a leash.

“One man ran towards my dog and startled her so much that she ran across the street to avoid him. He said they would take her, and I had to pay to get her released,” he said, tagging the company in his post.

He said he told the man it was kidnapping for ransom.

“He just gave me the middle finger and (showed) a fist (and asked) ‘What are you going to do? You can go to my supervisor and he will tell you to go to hell,’” Mr Bernthaler claimed.

He said he now feared for his dog’s safety.

“I have never been afraid in Malaysia because it is such a peaceful country, but now I am worried about my innocent puppy being stolen by some thugs,” he said.

Another social media user who goes by the handle kisstin3004 said her rescue dog was taken a few weeks ago.

“Despite a friend (telling) them that it was my dog, they (took) it.

“I had to pay RM300 (S$92) to have my dog released. This is cruel,” she said.

Another social media user, yaayuen, said this issue has been going on for some time.

“Why has nothing been done to stop them?” she asked.

A content creator who goes by jordanlimtalk said employees of the company have been claiming to be dogcatchers for a while now, and they release the pets only after a “ransom” is paid.

“Multiple people have been sharing their stories online. According to a person who left a review under the company, (their personnel are) carrying fake DBKL badges. They pretend to be DBKL officers to catch dogs and ask for ransom money.

“According to one of the Google reviews… these fake officers (even) trespass on people’s property to catch their dogs. They will drag the dogs by their necks and ignore the public when they are asked to stop torturing the dogs,” he said in a video post.

Sharing screenshots of the alleged dogcatchers, he said these supposedly bogus officers ply their “trade” in Gombak, Kepong and the Kuala Lumpur area.

“If you have dogs and live in those areas, please be careful.

“It is illegal and the public is urged to contact the police and file a report if you see them catching dogs,” he said. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK

AnimalsAnimal welfareMalaysia