Kedah Veterinary Department Euthanizes Rottweilers After Attacks on Five Individuals

Kedah Vet Dept Euthanises Rottweilers After Vicious Attack on Five People

BALING: The two Rottweiler dogs that attacked and bit five individuals in Taman Desa Bidara, Kuala Ketil near here on Tuesday (April 1), have been euthanised.

Deadly Dog Attack Rocks Quiet Malaysian Neighborhood

A tragic incident unfolded in Taman Desa Bidara, Kuala Ketil, near Baling, Kedah, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as two Rottweiler dogs attacked and injured five local residents. The dogs were later captured and euthanised by the Kedah Veterinary Services Department on Wednesday after assessment of their aggressive behavior and public threat.

According to Kedah Veterinary Director Dr. Saifuddin Pungot, the dogs were put down in accordance with provisions provided under the 2023 Animals Act and subsequent regulations that empower authorities to remove animals that pose a danger to the community. This response, though decisive, has ignited a conversation over responsible animal ownership and pet safety standards.

Details of the Attack

Residents of Taman Desa Bidara were caught off guard when the two Rottweilers escaped from their compound and went on a rampage in the residential neighborhood. The attack resulted in injuries to five individuals, including:

• Two elderly men who were on morning walks
• A young teenager walking to school
• A mother and her child returning from a grocery store

Witnesses described a horrifying scene of panic, screaming, and chaos as the dogs lunged at anyone within reach. Despite local residents’ efforts to ward off the dogs with sticks and other improvised tools, the animals persisted until local authorities responded to emergency calls.

Immediate Action Taken By Authorities

Upon receiving reports of the incident, a team from the Kuala Ketil police station and fire and rescue department responded swiftly to the scene. The dogs were secured and subsequently handed over to the Kedah state Veterinary Services Department for assessment.

After a preliminary evaluation, and following consultation with safety protocols, the department determined that the animals displayed behavior indicative of violent tendencies and a lack of training or containment discipline. As such, the decision to euthanise was made on the grounds of public safety.

Kedah Veterinary Department's Official Statement

Dr. Saifuddin Pungot emphasized that the safety of the general public is of paramount importance. In a media briefing, he stated:

“The owners' irresponsible behavior and failure to secure their pets have led to this unfortunate outcome. These dogs were identified as an imminent threat, and sadly, appropriate measures had to be taken to prevent future harm.”

He further added that the department will be issuing a formal warning and considering legal action against the dog owner under the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which mandates responsible pet ownership and provides strict guidelines on dog management, especially for large and potentially dangerous breeds.

Public Reaction and Animal Welfare Concerns

While several residents voiced their relief that the threat has been neutralized, others raised concerns about the welfare of the dogs and whether euthanasia was the only route available. Some animal rights advocates argue that proper rehabilitation or placement into controlled shelters could have been a viable alternative.

Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority agreed that, given the severity of the attack, swift action was necessary. Social media channels saw a wave of support for the victims, with several netizens emphasizing the need for stricter laws to govern pet ownership — especially when it comes to high-risk breeds like Rottweilers.

Understanding the Legal and Ethical Implications

Under Malaysian pet regulation laws, especially after the enactment of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, pet owners are held liable for damages or injuries caused by their animals. Provisions include:

• Mandatory registration of certain dog breeds with municipal councils
• Fencing or containment measures to prevent escape or attacks
• Fines and imprisonment for negligent pet ownership that results in public harm

The dog owner in this case could potentially face legal action and financial liability for the victims’ medical bills and psychological trauma. Authorities are also said to be conducting a full investigation into how the dogs managed to escape and what prior complaints, if any, had been filed with the local council.

Calls for Stronger Enforcement

This case has sparked renewed calls among lawmakers and NGOs for stricter enforcement of dog ownership laws. Apart from recommending mandatory training for owners of large breeds, some propose implementation of community alert systems in the event of dangerous animals on the loose.

What Comes Next?

The following key areas are expected to be discussed at both municipal and state levels:

• Recommendation for licensing of owners handling potentially dangerous breeds
• Implementation of neighborhood safety measures like CCTV monitoring and patrols
• Education campaigns to promote responsible animal care and ownership

Authorities have also urged members of the public to report abandoned or aggressive animals roaming in residential zones to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Conclusion

The vicious attack by two Rottweilers in Kedah is a sobering reminder of how quickly pet ownership can turn into a public hazard if adequate care is not observed. While the euthanasia of the animals is an undeniably unfortunate outcome, it underscores the urgent need for responsible pet management, stricter law enforcement, and better public awareness.

As Malaysia continues to urbanize and pet ownership becomes increasingly widespread, policymakers, enforcement agencies, and pet owners alike must collaborate to ensure that the safety of the wider community is never compromised.