KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — The Veterinary Department and other authorities were investigating an incident in which strays dogs were physically abused and one set on fire in a viral video, acting Johor Baru Utara police chief Supt Fariz Amar Abdullah said today.

He confirmed that a witness had lodged a police report about the incident on March 27, in which it was reported that the abuser was believed to be Malaysian.

"The incident is believed to have occurred near a veterinary clinic in Taman Impian Emas, Skudai, Johor Baru,” he said in a statement.

He added that the report was lodged in order to trigger a concurrent investigation by the Johor Veterinary Department into the apparent animal abuse.

Fariz said the investigation was opened under the Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act that covered the offence of animal cruelty, which was punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of between RM25,000 and RM100,000, or both upon conviction.

In the video shared online, a man was shown on surveillance camera footage hurling bricks at what appeared to be strays and setting one on fire.

On social media, one animal advocacy group claimed the person has since been identified.