"An unacceptable crime" – Stray Dog in Tawau Tragically Dies After Being Skinned Alive, Authorities Called to Investigate

The unfortunate dog sustained severe injuries, with nearly half of its back skin torn off, a deep abdominal incision, significant muscle damage in its right hind thigh, and an open fracture on its right ankle.

Upon being found by a shop owner, members of the Tawau branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) quickly attended to the dog and transported it to the nearest veterinary clinic.

Despite undergoing a three-hour surgery at the Noki Veterinary & Surgery Clinic, the dog sadly succumbed to its injuries, as reported by the Malaysian Stray Animal Association (SAFM) on Instagram.

SAFM reported that the dog "stopped breathing" after nearly three hours of surgery and could not be revived despite attempts with CPR and adrenaline injections.

The dog reportedly passed away shortly after, likely due to internal bleeding or organ failure resulting from its traumatic injuries.

Reported to the authorities

SAFM has reported the incident to the police and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), condemning the act as a horrific example of cruelty. They are urging authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrator to justice.

The association is calling for the responsible individual to be prosecuted under Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Enactment 2015, which includes penalties of up to RM100,000, three years’ imprisonment, or both.

"The act of skinning a living animal is an unacceptable crime in our society and must be stopped without compromise," SAFM said, adding that it was "barbaric and unacceptable".