Malaysian authorities probe shuttered Selangor vet clinic after dog, cats found dead inside premises

MALAYSIA: Malaysian police and the Selangor Veterinary Services Department (DVS) have launched investigations into a shuttered veterinary clinic in Damansara Damai, Selangor, after a dog and multiple cats were found dead inside the premises, according to local media.

The case emerged after independent animal rescuer Shima Aris shared photos and videos on Instagram on Wednesday showing a dead dog in a cage and a dead cat in a carrier inside a veterinary clinic that appeared abandoned, according to The New Straits Times.

The footage showed the premises in severe disarray, with equipment left untouched, cages and rubbish piled haphazardly, and animal faeces scattered across several rooms as rescuers searched the unit.

Two veterinarians present at the scene assessed that the animals had been dead for between seven and 10 days based on their condition. A third cat was found alive and later transferred to another veterinary clinic for treatment.

“Alhamdulillah, we were able to save one cat that was trapped in there as well, alive,” Shima said.

“But please, help be their voice even in their death. We must get justice for these poor souls.”

Allegations of prolonged neglect

Shima told NST that the clinic had allegedly closed about three months earlier, leaving behind 14 cats and one dog.

She claimed that 12 cats were later removed, but two cats and one dog were left inside the abandoned premises.

Former staff members had told her the animals were fed only once a week and had not been properly attended to prior to their discovery, she said.

In her videos, rotting food and animal remains were seen swarmed with maggots.

One dog appeared to have gnawed through its cage, with its head and part of its body protruding between bent bars, which Shima described as a desperate attempt to escape.

These claims remain allegations and have not been independently verified by authorities.

Authorities launch formal investigations

Police confirmed they are investigating the deaths following reports and the circulation of images online.

Selangor DVS separately said it had launched a probe after receiving complaints and video evidence.

In a statement, Selangor DVS said officers visited the clinic at 12.30pm on 17 December 2025 and found the carcasses of a dog and a cat inside separate cages.

Preliminary checks estimated the animals had been dead for one to two weeks.

“The officers took possession of the two carcasses and the cages for further checks and investigation,” the department said.

The case is being investigated under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which carries penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000 (approx. US$24,467), or both upon conviction.

Animal welfare groups demand accountability

The Stray Animal Association of Malaysia (SAFM) identified the premises as Gelyga Animal Clinic and described the case as a “tragic case of severe animal neglect” in a Facebook statement.

“A police report was lodged last Saturday by former staff members, and this tragedy demands immediate, thorough and decisive action from the authorities,” SAFM said, urging investigations by both the police and DVS.

“This neglect is a blatant violation of the legal and moral responsibilities owed to the animals under their care,” a SAFM spokesperson said. “Those entrusted with animal care must be held fully accountable.”

Other animal welfare groups, including Stray Free Foundation, also raised concerns over professional responsibility and possible negligence, according to NST.

Veterinarian denies wrongdoing

In subsequent social media updates, Shima shared voice notes and WhatsApp messages that she said were from a veterinarian linked to the clinic, identified as Raden Fadzillah Aini binti Abdul Kadir.

In one voice message, the veterinarian told the dog’s owner, Jessie, that the dog had died on Dec. 12 and was buried by staff.

In another recording, she denied killing the dog.

“Jessie, I did not kill your dog… Please understand. I love the animals,” she said in the audio message shared online.

She claimed she had given money to a worker to check on the animals and said she had not visited the clinic for months because she would “get sick”.

Shima disputed the account, alleging that the animals had been neglected for months and left without proper care.

Authorities have not disclosed whether any arrests have been made or whether charges will be filed, as investigations are ongoing.

Selangor DVS has appealed for anyone with information related to the case to come forward to assist investigations.