Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has apologised over the killing of stray dogs on its campus and has “relieved” its director of occupational safety and health management (OSHM) office of duties pending an investigation.
In a statement, the university said it took the issue seriously and would fully cooperate with the authorities throughout the probe.
“The university expresses deep regret and offers its sincere apologies over the incident involving the management of stray dogs reported to have occurred at the end of 2024,” UPM said in a statement.
Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (Peka) last week lodged a police report over the alleged killing of 18 dogs and five puppies on UPM campus grounds in two separate operations in late 2024 and 2025.
UPM today, however, did not address the operation allegedly carried out in early 2025.
It explained that the measure taken against the university’s OSHM office director, pending the outcome of an internal inquiry, was intended to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
The university also said it had suspended all stray animal management activities on campus until a new and more comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) could be developed.
“The revised SOP will emphasise a balanced approach that upholds human safety, animal welfare, and compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 2015,” it said, adding that it will hold a series of engagements with relevant stakeholders to formulate the most effective and sustainable procedures and approaches moving forward.
Last week, police opened an investigation into allegations that the university hired a company to kill dogs on its campus.
Serdang police chief Farid Ahmad said the case was being probed under Section 30(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which prohibits the shooting of animals without authorisation by the veterinary authority.
Peka had submitted evidence to the police that a staff member from the university’s OSHM office signed and reviewed the documents of the contractor’s two operations.
UPM had formed a committee to investigate Peka’s claim.
