Man detained after viral video shows kitten hit with broomstick in Batu Gajah

IPOH, August 20 — Police have apprehended an individual following a viral video depicting him abusing a kitten with an aluminum broomstick in a Batu Gajah residential area. Batu Gajah police district chief, ACP Md Noor Aehawan Mohammad, revealed that the suspect turned himself in at the Batu Gajah police station after the footage gained widespread attention on social media. The suspect was subsequently apprehended to aid the ongoing investigation.

The incident, which occurred around 12:04 PM on August 19, was witnessed by the suspect's neighbor, who recorded the abuse on video. "Upon examining the two-minute and nineteen-second video, it was evident that a man was repeatedly striking the kitten with an aluminum broomstick," Mohammad reported in a statement. The event took place in the parking area adjacent to the suspect's residence.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the act, explaining that the kitten had entered the engine compartment of his parked vehicle. He claimed that his actions were motivated by the fear that the kitten could be harmed or that the vehicle might be damaged if the engine was started. The case is now being probed under Section 428 of the Penal Code and Section 29(1)(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015.

Mohammad assured that the kitten managed to survive the assault and was rescued by the neighbor, who intended to transport the animal to a veterinary clinic for medical attention. The police aim to obtain a formal veterinary report to finalize their investigation. Mohammad also warned the public against taking matters into their own hands or participating in any actions that could harm or mistreat animals.