KUALA LUMPUR: A dog that had its mouth chopped off in Kampung Tembovo, Penampang, Sabah is reported to be stable following treatment.
Malaysian Animal Association president Arie Dwi Andika said the dog has been placed under the care of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Kota Kinabalu.
The dog has been given the name Noobu.
Also rescued were Noobu's pups, named Simba and Nala, and they too have been placed under the NGO's care.
"Although doctors advised for Noobu to be put to sleep based on the severity of its injuries, the animal rescue team over there is insistent on caring for it first.
"Right now, they are asking for a few more weeks to treat Noobu until its wounds are healed and it can eat on its own.
"They are still monitoring its health development before deciding on the next course of action. Today Noobu looks healthier and is able to eat and drink via the use of a syringe," Arie said when contacted.
Arie also expressed gratitude to the animal activists involved in rescuing Noobu and its puppies since Sunday.
"We hope more groups of activists and animal lovers will lodge reports with the police as well as the Sabah Veterinary Services Department on this inhumane act.
"Although the dog has been rescued, we want the perpetrator to be apprehended and be made to face the heaviest of penalties.
"We are consistent in our stand that the Animal Welfare Act 2015, Sabah Animal Welfare Enactment 2015 and the Sarawak Animal Welfare Enactment 2015 are amended to include mandatory prison term as well as whipping for animal abusers," Arie said.
It is learned that Simba and Nala will be put up for adoption after they are neutered and vaccinated.
It was reported yesterday that the dog was believed to have been slashed after it wandered into a residential area, asking for food.
Arie said they were told the culprit was drunk and committed the act for fun.
He said yesterday that the police were still investigating the incident and those with information could contact him.
“The complainant's information will be kept confidential,” he had said.
The association also offered a gift of a Korean-made Daelim History S125 scooter worth RM9,500 to any individual or witness who could provide complete details of the case.