KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 — A man has come forward to apologise for physically abusing stray dogs and setting one on fire as caught on a viral video believed to have originated in Johor Baru.
He also offered to pay the veterinary bills of the dogs he had injured.
In a 45-second video under a Facebook account named Braden Yap, the man admitted that his actions were wrong and expressed hope that the public could give him a second chance, said a report by The Star.
“I understand no matter how I explain, I should not have done that. I admit that it was my mistake and regret it.
“I am very sorry and promise not to make a similar mistake in the future. I hope that everyone could give me another chance.
“I will also pay for the medical expenses (of the injured dogs),” he was quoted as saying in the video.
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.
Yesterday, acting Johor Baru Utara police chief Supt Fariz Amar Abdullah said that the Veterinary Department and other authorities were investigating the incident.
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.
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.
