PENANG — A case of alleged animal cruelty at Cecil Street Market has sparked public outrage after a kuih vendor was reported to have strangled a cat until “its eyes turned white,” according to eyewitnesses.
The incident reportedly occurred after the cat took food from the vendor’s stall. Fortunately, the cat was rescued by a local animal welfare advocate and is now recovering indoors. Veterinarians confirmed that the animal escaped serious injury due to timely intervention.
The incident gained attention after being shared on the Facebook group Cat Free Adoption Penang Penang Free Cat Adoption Site, leading to widespread condemnation and demands for an official investigation.
Penang police have transferred the case to the Penang City Council (MBPP), which has since removed six stray cats from the market area. The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has also been notified and is monitoring the situation.
Although CCTV footage of the incident exists, it has not yet been made public.
Animal rights advocates have highlighted the legal seriousness of the case under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772), which imposes fines between RM20,000 and RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both for acts of cruelty.
Public demands include the immediate release of the CCTV footage, prosecution of the alleged offender if the evidence supports the claims, and stronger animal protection measures to prevent future abuse.
The case remains under investigation. Many concerned citizens have echoed the Chinese proverb “Heaven is watching what people do,” as a call for justice and accountability.
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