An alarming video depicting the cruel treatment of a stray dog in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, has gained significant attention on social media. The footage captured two individuals throwing the defenseless canine into a swamp known to be inhabited by crocodiles. Another person present filmed the incident.
According to CNN Indonesia, authorities have successfully identified the three individuals involved and their employment status has been terminated by their company.
The video portrays two men, dressed in company uniforms, gripping the dog tightly by its head and back. They callously shook the terrified animal while a person recording the scene audibly counted to three. Subsequently, the dog was heartlessly tossed into the treacherous swamp.
The group of men then laughed as the dog struggled in the water, before being eaten by the crocodiles and disappearing under the water.
Men in video identified
Various animal rights communities in Indonesia promptly reported the incident to the police after the video went viral on social media. Animal Defenders Indonesia, in a press release on June 16, expressed their intention to travel from Jakarta to Tarakan to formally report the case to the local authorities. They have successfully uncovered the identities of the three men featured in the video.
Doni Herdaru, the spokesperson for Animal Defenders Indonesia, stated, “We are now in the process of verifying the information we have obtained. Additionally, if the suspects confess, that could serve as further evidence.”
CNN Indonesia disclosed that the police have named the three individuals connected to the case as DF, SR, and WA. Investigations have revealed that the motive behind their heinous act was frustration over the frequent theft of their food by the stray dog.
Although the suspects have not been arrested or detained, the maximum penalty they may face for this crime is nine months of imprisonment. Indonesian law stipulates that suspects or defendants can only be detained if the crime they committed is punishable by a minimum of five years’ imprisonment.
The three men have been charged under the Animal Husbandry and Animal Health provisions of the Indonesian Criminal Code.
Fired by their company
Furthermore, Detik reported that the company employing the three men, PT Jaya Mimika Lestari (JML), a supplier of construction equipment, has taken swift action. Djamal W, the main director of PT JML, affirmed that the company will not tolerate such behavior from its employees who served as heavy equipment drivers, operating water tank trucks, winch trucks, and cranes.
Djamal emphasized that the incident occurred outside working hours, despite the video clearly showing the men in their company uniforms. The company has fully entrusted the relevant authorities with handling the legal processes involved.
Detil also reported that Djamal said, “While awaiting the legal proceedings, we will terminate our employment relationship with [the three suspects] in accordance with labor laws.”
He extended his apologies for the actions of the three men, asserting, “As a company, we sincerely apologize for the actions of our irresponsible employees.”
