By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 5: A local pet business in Kota Samarahan is facing allegations of animal welfare concerns following claims that pedigree cats were kept in outdoor cages under direct afternoon sun.
The allegations stem from a post shared on the Kota Samarahan Community Facebook group, where a member compiled screenshots from a Google Review and Threads postings describing the condition of cats at the premises.
According to the Google Review, a visitor reportedly found several cats placed outside the shop appearing distressed in the heat. The review claimed some animals were panting heavily, a kitten was crying for milk and one cage was found without water until it was refilled by visitors.
Other claims attributed to Threads postings alleged that the cats were deliberately placed outdoors to attract sympathy from passersby and encourage sales.
The posts also referred to the presence of Bengal cats at the premises, with one claim stating that a worker had attributed the death of one animal to illness when asked about its disappearance, sparking online speculation about possible contributing factors.
Additional claims described a multi tiered cage setup housing several cats, including a white cat, a Bengal cat and a darker coloured cat, which were reportedly exposed to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours.
Some accounts also referenced previous concerns raised in 2023, including allegations that complaints about cats panting in the heat were dismissed by the shop owner. It was further claimed that reports had been lodged with the relevant authorities but no resolution had been reached.
The allegations have prompted renewed discussion among some animal welfare advocates and members of the public with calls for stronger enforcement and urging the public to report suspected cases of animal neglect to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
At the time of writing, the claims remain unverified and no official statement has been issued by the pet shop or relevant authorities regarding the matter. — DayakDaily
