Shah alam: The Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, has expressed sadness, disappointment, and anger over a recent spate of cruelty involving pets and stray animals, particularly dogs and cats, that has sparked widespread outrage on social media.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Istana Alam Shah conveyed that Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin has urged the federal government to review the penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 to ensure stricter punishment for animal cruelty offenders and more consistent enforcement of the law. Her Royal Highness, who serves as the Royal Patron of the Stray Free Selangor (SFS) initiative, emphasized that any act of cruelty towards animals not only violates the law but also undermines the values of compassion, which are fundamental to a civilised society.
The Tengku Permaisuri decreed that no form of animal cruelty will be accepted or tolerated, regardless of the perpetrator's position, race, religion, or reasons for such acts. Her Royal Highness emphasized that this position applies universally to individuals, organizations, companies, government agencies, or enforcement authorities, asserting that no one is above the law.
Additionally, Her Royal Highness stated that any individual found guilty of animal cruelty must face thorough investigation and appropriate legal action, including if the offence is committed by enforcement personnel or government officers. The palace further highlighted that public confidence in enforcement institutions can only be maintained through professional, integrity-based, and compassionate actions, rather than by unnecessary force or actions causing suffering to animals.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin reiterated several previously proposed recommendations to enhance animal welfare protection through collaboration among the government, local authorities, relevant agencies, animal welfare organizations, and the public. These proposals include fostering a compassionate community towards animals and translating compassion into action via humane rescue, treatment, management, and protection of animals.
Her Royal Highness also stressed the importance of integrating animal welfare into efforts to build a more responsible, caring, and civilised society, ensuring compassion guides every policy and action related to animal management. She highlighted the significance of public awareness, education, and community involvement in instilling compassion towards animals from a young age, with the aim of creating a state where every animal is protected, respected, and treated with dignity.
The Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor expressed hope that all parties will learn from the recent incidents and collaborate to ensure Selangor remains a state that upholds humanity, justice, and responsibility towards all living beings. Her Royal Highness reminded society that compassion is a strength, and the ability to protect the most vulnerable is a true measure of a society's strength, maturity, and civilisation.