The veterinary services department (DVS) has confirmed that no animal welfare violations were found at the Pets Wonderland outlet in Mid Valley Megamall, following public concern over the condition of dogs at the store.
DVS said officers from its Kuala Lumpur office conducted an inspection on July 22, two days after receiving a formal complaint via the MyAnimalWelfare system.
The department told FMT it had examined each animal individually using the body condition score system, as outlined in the Animal Welfare Code of Practice for Pet Sales.
However, it said the full findings of the inspection would not be released publicly, citing confidentiality under its standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Based on existing SOPs, the final inspection report cannot be disclosed to the public and is only provided to the complainant,” it said, adding that DVS is committed to ensuring its investigations are conducted “transparently and according to professional animal welfare standards”.
The inspection followed a social media post alleging that two puppies at the outlet looked malnourished, prompting questions over the store’s animal welfare practices.
More posts and Google reviews claimed other dogs also appeared unwell, with red eyes, and were living in unhygienic or cramped conditions. Some netizens also claimed the animals appeared “depressed” and “miserable”.
In a response to animal welfare group My Forever Doggo, Pets Wonderland acknowledged the concerns but said a DVS inspection had confirmed that all dogs were healthy and that “their body conditions are within required standards”.
The NGO had claimed that when it pressed Pets Wonderland on the need to improve animal care, the company responded: “DVS didn’t find any issue, you can call DVS if you need to.”
My Forever Doggo also claimed that during a follow-up visit to the Mid Valley outlet, the two puppies that had previously raised concern were no longer in the store.
DVS said its Putrajaya headquarters was open to the possibility of conducting a follow-up inspection, depending on findings from the initial probe.
It also reiterated its commitment to enforcing compliance with national animal welfare codes at pet shops.
In a statement, the company said it would phase out the sale of cats and dogs at all its outlets, starting with its Mid Valley branch by the end of this month.
“Full implementation across the remaining locations is expected by this year-end or sooner, where operationally feasible to ensure these pets are re-homed responsibly and compassionately.
“We will continue to provide high-quality pet supplies and expert guidance while actively partnering with shelters and rescue organisations to promote adoption efforts,” it said.
