UPM suspends safety director amid outcry over alleged stray dog killings

UPM suspends safety director amid outcry over alleged stray dog killings



A general view shows the entrance to Universiti Putra Malaysia’s campus.

Tuesday, 14 Oct 2025 12:45 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has relieved the director of its Occupational Safety and Health Management Office of operational duties pending an investigation into an alleged stray dog killing on campus.

The university said the move was made to safeguard the integrity of an ongoing investigation by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

It also said it would fully cooperate with both authorities to ensure a transparent and fair inquiry into the matter.

“UPM expresses its regret and apologises for the handling of stray dogs reported to have occurred at the end of 2024,” the university said in a statement today.


The incident, which recently went viral, involved the alleged killing of stray dogs within the campus grounds.

UPM also announced a suspension of all stray animal management activities while a new standard operating procedure (SOP) is being developed.

The new SOP, it said, will balance human safety, animal welfare, and compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 2015.


The university reaffirmed its commitment to its “planetary health” agenda, saying it would consult stakeholders to establish a more humane and sustainable approach to managing stray animals.

The controversy involves allegations that the university hired a third-party contractor to kill 18 stray dogs and five puppies on campus using prohibited methods like shooting and poisoning, prompting strong criticism from the NGO Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (Peka).

Peka has accused UPM of attempting to conceal criminal offences, misrepresenting the situation, failing to cooperate with authorities, and potentially misusing funds related to the contractor’s alleged overcharging for the culling services.