UM Cat Murders: A Timeline of the Gruesome Deaths of Multiple Cats
Recently, the brutal deaths of several stray cats at the University Malaya (UM) shocked animal lovers and the general public all over the country.
A total of 3 cats had been found dead in several locations throughout UM, with their limbs severed and abdomen mutilated. It is speculated online that the number of dead cats was actually 6.
Here's a chronology of the case:
17th December 2024
- Universiti Malaya Student's Union (KMUM) filed a police report after the discovery of two dead mutilated cats on 12th December and 16th December at the Faculty of Business and Economics. The bodies were found on the first floor of H11 and the lawn beside Bangunan Azman Hashim
- Police went to the campus with Kuala Lumpur City Council's (DBKL) veterinary unit to investigate
- Investigation revealed the cats’ deaths were attributed to the attacks from wild dogs in the area
- The police report has been referred to the Veterinary Department and UM's management for further action
20th December 2024
- A third stray cat, affectionately known as Lily, was found dead. Its mutilated body was discovered at the Department of Microbiology and Genetics
- Animal rescuer and activist Shima Aris has received Lily's body, and the dead feline was sent to a private clinic for postmortem
21st December 2024
The case has garnered the attention of Bandar Tun Razak, Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who called for an immediate and thorough investigation
22nd December 2024
- The police stated that they had received three police reports regarding the case
- A statement issued stated that through CCTV footage, it was determined that wild dogs had killed the dead cats found in UM. The police had also received confirmation from the Department of Veterinary Malaysia (DVS) that the injuries on the dead cats were inconsistent with dog attacks
- A group of local activists rescued a total of 22 stray cats all around UM's campus
23rd December 2024
- In a press conference, Shima Aris disclosed a medical report obtained of Lily from a veterinarian
- According to Shima, the medical report and x-ray suggested Lily’s injuries were not inflicted by dogs, but the cat was cut up using a sharp weapon
- In her Instagram stories, Shima also noted that Lily's x-ray showed the cat has no broken or fractured bones, only the missing limbs
Unsurprisingly, the discovery led to outrage throughout the country
In the same press conference, Lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan questioned whether DVS had conducted postmortems on the dead cats. He also called for the maximum punishment under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 to be imposed on the offender if arrested and convicted.
You can watch the press conference below:
In the comments section, many netizens praised and thanked Shima for her efforts on the case. Meanwhile, others voiced their concern and hoped the culprit was caught immediately.
“Justice for all furbabies. Sometimes I wonder, what did these animals have done wrong that there are humans who mercilessly kill and hurt them.”
Featured Image Credit: EDMAT UM, Facebook