By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 21: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is looking into establishing an association to monitor the welfare of stray animals, including cats and dogs, and to foster cooperation with local authorities.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) report, this followed the recent death of a kitten that was found dismembered around the campus’ residential area.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said this reflects the university’s commitment to looking after the welfare of stray animals within the campus, even though there are no veterinary study programmes offered at this moment.
“We don’t have a veterinary faculty or programme at the moment. But that does not mean we are giving up. We have contacted the police and Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) to investigate this matter,” he said when met by reporters at an Aidilfitri open house at the university today.
According to him, investigations found that the kitten died due to its weak physical condition and not because of human abuse.
Based on witnesses’ statements and video footage, the mother cat was seen eating the remains of her kitten, which is a rare but natural behaviour, often driven by stress, perceived threats, or the kitten’s condition if it is stillborn, sickly, or severely malformed.
“Although we are not a veterinary university, we still uphold humanitarian values. We will not hide the facts, and we will assist the investigation as best we can,” he said.
He also called on the public not to speculate based on unverified information.
On April 20, UNIMAS issued a statement confirming the death of a kitten around the campus’ residential area two days ago, on April 18.
In the statement, the university said that it carried out an investigation on the matter and determined that the kitten’s death had no elements of human abuse.
UNIMAS also urged its staff and students to work together and look after the animals within the campus, which are also part and parcel of the university. — DayakDaily
