Justice for Kopi: Malaysia Outraged After Beloved Stray Dog Shot by Local Council

On 7 October 2024, the tragic shooting of Kopi, a well-loved stray dog in Terengganu, Malaysia, ignited public outrage. The Besut District Council reportedly shot Kopi as part of their regular stray management operation. They claimed it followed protocol under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.

However, Kopi’s death sparked a wave of backlash from Malaysians, animal rights groups, and social media users who questioned the necessity of lethal force, especially against a dog as cherished as Kopi.

Public Reaction to Kopi’s Death

Kopi, a familiar sight in her community, had captured hearts across Malaysia when a TikTok video of her caring for an abandoned kitten went viral earlier in March. Her tragic death struck a chord with the public, and the hashtag #JusticeforKopi began trending.

Outraged Malaysians flooded social media, condemning the council’s methods and calling for a more humane approach to managing stray animals.

Within days, a petition on Change.org by animal rights advocate Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia demanding reforms in stray animal treatment garnered thousands of signatures.

Malaysians took to the streets to protest Kopi’s death, terfuly holding up banners and placards bearing the words ‘Justice for Kopi.’

The Council’s Response

The Besut District Council defended its actions, stating it had followed standard operating procedures, which allow lethal control in certain cases.

Besut District Council president, Mohd Sukeri Ibrahim said, ‘The handling of the stray dog adhered to the SOP established by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and complied with Section 30 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015.’

However, many Malaysians found this explanation insufficient. They argued that Kopi, beloved by many and seemingly harmless, did not deserve such a brutal fate. Animal welfare activists, in a joint statement, criticised the council’s reliance on culling as a solution to the stray population issue, advocating instead for non-lethal, long-term solutions like spaying and neutering programs.

Kopi’s Viral Fame

Earlier in 2024, Kopi became an internet sensation after user @/sayalahtuu shared heartwarming footage of her nurturing a kitten spread widely on TikTok. She became a symbol of resilience and care, gaining admiration from both the local community and online supporters.

Instagram account @/myforeverdoggo stated that Kopi was known to be “the ‘big sister’ for all the cats and puppies in the area.”

Her sudden death shattered many of her fans, making the incident all the more personal for those who had followed her journey.

Calls for Animal Welfare Reform

Kopi’s death reignited debates on the effectiveness and morality of stray animal management in Malaysia. Animal rights advocates renewed their calls for reform, urging local governments to adopt more humane practices, including spaying, neutering, and rescue efforts. In a statement, several NGOs argued that the reliance on lethal methods like culling does little to solve the long-term issue and contributes to unnecessary suffering.

According to @/myforeverdoggo on Instagram, on 18 October 2024, Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM), SPCA, MAWA, and Lawyers of Animal Rights, alongside other animal lovers and supporters, will be submitting a memorandum to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in Putrajaya at 3PM.

The Malaysian public’s strong reaction indicates a growing movement toward better treatment of strays. As of now, the government has yet to issue any formal response to the calls for change.

Watch Kopi’s video here:

@sayalahtuu_

pergi … #fyp #videoviral #qoutes #pet #dog #cat #lover #meme #ramadhan #CapCut #petlover #viralvideo #memestiktok

♬ original sound – secreto 🎭 – AbbyRaz 🎭