KUCHING: Sarawak is the first state in Malaysia to record an animal kidnapping involving a cat and a RM6,000 ransom, said Malaysia Animal Association president Arie Dwi Andika.
This was in light of a viral incident on social media where a cat owner lodged a police report in Kuching on Sept 4 after she was allegedly extorted by another individual to get her cat back, which was “kidnapped” on Sept 1.
Arie appealed to the police to look into the case seriously and take immediate action to arrest the “cat-napper” who had threatened to dump the cat into a nearby river.
“This is the first criminal case of animal theft involving a cat and a ransom of thousands of Ringgit Malaysia in the country.
“We (the association) express concern that such crime could be a widespread phenomenon if no decisive action is taken by the authorities. It can start from abducting animals to children and adults, if it is not immediately resolved.
“This case of kidnapping a cat should be treated like any other crime since it involves lives, money, the owner’s emotions and long-term security of all parties,” he said in a statement.
Arie informed the public to report any domestic animal crime cases to https://awa.dvs.gov.my and wild animal crime cases to the hotline – 1-800-88-5151 or to the respective state Perhilitan office.
Meanwhile, Kuching district police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah when contacted, confirmed that they have received a report from the cat owner around 10.05am on Sept 4.
“The case is being investigated under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion,” he said in a brief message to New Sarawak Tribune.
The offence carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail, or a fine, or whipping, upon conviction.
According to the police report by the owner, she realised that her cat had gone missing on Sept 1 around Taman Kwang Ming. She then created a poster and uploaded it to Facebook.
Two days later (Sept 3), the owner received a message via WhatsApp from an individual, who admitted to stealing her cat and even showed evidence of the feline in possession.
The “cat-napper” also demanded RM6,000 for its return however, the owner could only offer to pay RM200, which was rejected by the individual.
It is reported that the “cat-napper” will only inform of the address to claim the cat afterwards. Failing to do so, will result in the individual dumping the cat in a nearby river.
