According to a report by Harian Metro, local residents claim that the man was mentally unsound.

One resident managed to locate the man and eventually contacted the police.

The resident, Nur Hafizah Mohd Yusof, said that the man was not aggressive when found and he was eventually handed over to the police and four officers from the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) for further action.

Homeless and unwell

Nur Hafizah said that the man was homeless and usually roams around the area.

She said that he seemed mentally unwell and had been that way since his parents died.

"I informed the officers of the man's condition, and I hope that he is sent to the hospital for treatment," she said.

Anger over incident

A recording of the horrifying incident sparked outrage among netizens.

The video showed the man calmly putting the three cats into the washing machine.

Later, pictures of the dead cats also made its rounds online.

If he actually has a mental issue, we hope that he gets help.

If he does not, we hope that he is severely punished for such an inhumane act.

What can you do?

Meanwhile, if you notice someone mistreating an animal, make sure to report it to Department of Vetrinary Services.

They are the go to people when it comes to animal abuse or mistreatment cases.

You can either email them at [email protected] or WhatsApp them at 019-2242233.

If you can't get through to them for some reason, call the cops.