KUALA LUMPUR: Police have launched a fresh investigation into the recent deaths of three cats at Universiti Malaya.
The move came on the heels of the calls by independent rescuers and animal rights activists urging authorities for a thorough investigation into the case.
City police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa confirmed yesterday that an investigation paper has been opened on the deaths of the cats and the statements made by the activists, as reported in the media.
"We will record statements from the respective parties on Thursday," he said.
Rusdi had previously said that investigations revealed the cats died from stray dog attacks.
He added that closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the area showed a group of stray dogs attacking the cats.
Additionally, he said the police had referred the matter to the Veterinary Services Department, which confirmed that the injuries on the cats were consistent with attacks by stray dogs.
However, the findings did not sit well with several parties, especially activists, who believe it is unlikely the injuries were caused by stray dogs.
Bandar Tun Razak member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail recently called for immediate action and a thorough investigation into the cat deaths at UM.
Wan Azizah, who is also the prime minister's wife, strongly condemned animal cruelty.
On Dec 20, the UM management reported the cat deaths on the campus to the police to aid investigations and to ensure action is taken if cruelty is involved.
Two cats were found dead in disturbing conditions at the university's Faculty of Business and Economics on Dec 12 and 16.
Following this, the UM Student Union lodged a police report on Dec 17.
On Friday, a cat named Lily was found dead. Its four legs appeared to have been severed, and it had large wounds on its body.