Penang council revokes licence for dog that attacked stray in Pearl Hill

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has revoked the licence of a dog involved in an attack on a stray in Pearl Hill and will keep it impounded. Mayor Rajendran Anthony revealed that the dog's registered owner claimed he was not the person walking the canine at the time of the incident. The council issued a RM250 fine under By-law 14 of the Dogs By-Laws 1977, but the owner has not yet paid it.

The mayor stated that the owner requested to reclaim the dog, yet they did not release it. The incident occurred on August 29, and the council impounded the dog on August 31 following a complaint. The registered owner informed the council that someone else was handling the dog, and he requested a police report for record-keeping.

The dog, a mixed breed, was wearing a collar and had a valid licence tag. The MBPP confirmed the compound fine due to the dog bite case. The animal remains at the council's pound. The case gained attention after a viral video showed a large dog repeatedly biting a smaller white stray named Tim at Pearl Hill, with a man holding the leash.

A woman intervened with a stick. The Penang veterinary services department clarified there is no clear provision under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 making an owner liable solely for a dog fight or failure to intervene, but action could be considered under Section 8 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 if there is evidence the owner encouraged or prompted the attack.