PUTRAJAYA: The Animal Welfare Act 2015 is scheduled to be enforced next year, said Veterinary Services Department (DVS) director-general Datuk Dr Kamarudin Md Isa.
He said the new law would have a higher degree of deterrence impact, as stiffer penalties await those who commit animal cruelty.
"Once the law is enforced, an Animal Welfare Board comprising nine members, chaired by the DVS director-general, will be formed.
"To assist the board in its function, Animal Welfare officers will be tasked with executing the Act, including by educating and raising public awareness on animal welfare once the law is enforced.
"They will also educate the public on details needed when they lodge complaints pertaining to animal cruelty," he said at the department's Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
Under the Animal Welfare Act, which was passed in the Dewan Rakyat last year, cruelty offences include the act of beating, mutilating, poisoning, confining in area that restrict natural movements of the animals, and abandonment.
Those found guilty can face a minimum fine of RM20,000 and a maximum penalty of RM100,000 fine, and a three-year imprisonment.
The killing of animals under Clause 30 also states a minimum RM20,000 fine and maximum RM100,000 fine and three-year jail term.
The clause also contains provisions that allows the killing of animals in certain circumstances including for the purpose of human consumption; or that the animal is deemed incurable by the veterinary authority; necessary to end the animal suffering; done to prevent imminent danger to human's life or limb; population control by the authority under the law; approved by the animal ethics committee at the end of any research; and for any other reasons determined and certified by a veterinary authority.
Dr Kamarudin said the department received 334 complaints on animal cruelty last year; 266 complaints in 2014; 255 complaints in 2013; 280 complaints in 2012; 168 complaints in 2011; 134 complaints in 2010 and 288 complaints in 2009.
The department, he said, will organise an Animal Welfare Day at the Veterinary Hospital in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur on Aug 27.
He said it would be open to the public from 9am to 5pm.
Among the activities include a cat competition, and medical treatment for pets.