Animal cruelty cases during the MCO

> A total of 81 animal welfare complaints were received by the Veterinary Services Department between March 18 and April 30

> Of the total, 66 cases were involving pets being abandoned. 15 were acts of cruelty towards animals

> Most complaints are involving dogs and cats

> Abandoning an animal when it is likely to go through trauma, pain or suffering is considered animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2015

> Animal cruelty can be punished by a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000, jail term of up to three years or both