The tragic death of an elderly woman in Kunak, allegedly mauled by a pack of stray dogs, has placed local authorities under intense scrutiny.

While the community reels from the incident, officials remain cautious, carefully balancing public safety with animal welfare obligations.

Kunak District Officer Majaran Osman revealed that efforts to manage the stray dog population had been ongoing.

Last year alone, he said, around 250 stray dogs were relocated under a humane initiative aimed at addressing the issue.

“Our actions have not been overly aggressive because we are bound by the Animal Welfare Act. This requires us to act responsibly and with compassion,” Majaran said in Kunak, Tuesday.

Still, questions linger over the circumstances of the woman’s death.

Authorities are awaiting the final autopsy report to determine whether she was fatally attacked by the dogs or if she succumbed to other causes before the strays gathered around her.

“The victim’s family has already claimed her body following the autopsy. We are all waiting for clarity on the actual cause of death,” Majaran said.

The incident, which reportedly occurred near the Kunak bus terminal last Friday, has shaken the small community.

Police said they were alerted to the discovery of the woman’s unclothed body around 6.30am.

District police chief Sabarudin Rahmat said the woman suffered multiple wounds, believed to be dog bites, on her left arm, head, chest, and both sides of her waist and legs.

The case gained even more attention when footage from a nearby CCTV camera allegedly capturing the attack went viral among the local communities.

While the clip has yet to be officially verified, it has fueled public anxiety and calls for greater action against stray animals. – January 28, 2025