Dog skinned alive in Malaysia dies after surgery

The dog underwent an operation to stitch back its skin, after it was found wandering the streets with its skin peeled off. PHOTOS: SPCA TAWAU via The Straits Times/Asia News Network

A stray dog wandering on a street in Malaysia was found skinned alive, and later succumbed to its injuries after surgery to stitch the mutilated animal back together.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Tawau, Sabah, said the dog was found early on March 19 by workers of a store in the township of Taman Da Hua 3.

“The workers were cleaning the front of their store when they saw blood all over the floor. The store owner then saw the dog walking slowly on the side of the road with its skin peeled off,” said SPCA Tawau in a Facebook post on March 19.

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Volunteers at the non-profit were notified, and took the dog to an animal clinic.

According to SAFM, a non-governmental organization that protects stray animals, almost half of the dog’s dorsal skin, or the skin on its back, had been torn off, extending to the caudal abdomen, or the area near its tail.

The dog also suffered a laceration on the skin on its back, an open fracture on its right ankle, and severe muscle damage on its right hind thigh, said SAFM in an Instagram post on March 27.

At the animal clinic, surgery was performed to sew back the torn skin.

“The surgery lasted almost three hours, but unfortunately, after it was completed, the dog suddenly stopped breathing,” said SAFM.

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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and adrenaline injections were administered to save the animal, but to no avail.

It is believed to have died of internal bleeding or organ failure due to traumatic injuries.

SAFM said that reports have been filed with the police and the Department of Veterinary Services, and it is calling for eyewitnesses to come forward with information.

“The act of skinning animals alive is an unacceptable crime in our society and must be stopped without compromise,” said SAFM.

Cruelty to animals under Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Enactment 2015 is an offense punishable with a fine of up to RM100,000 (S$30,280) or a maximum jail term of three years, or both.

Two other cases of animal abuse have also been detected around the area, said SPCA Tawau.

“We feel that someone is trying to kill these stray dogs,” said the organization.