Netizens enraged after endangered tapir dies from inhumane treatment by Malaysian authorities

A viral Facebook post making it rounds on social media showing how a tapir was mistreated by Malaysian authorities has infuriated netizens.

Photos and a video was attached to the Facebook post show the tapir struggling as Malaysian authorities tied a rope against its neck and was pulling against it.

The incident was said to have happened at Taman Desa Saujana, Batu 14, Hulu Langat. The tapir had wandered off and had fallen into a drain.

Authorities were trying to rescue the tapir but the rescue operation left the tapir dead and its carcass was abandoned at the scene.

Netizens were outraged with the way the tapir was handled. 

According to Malaysian newspaper New Straits Times, The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has since initiated an investigation into this incident.

Preliminary findings show that the tapir had some parts of its body such as ears, front leg, trunk and skin mutilated.

Director-general Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim of the Department of Wildlife and Nation Parks said that the initial observation of the Department has hinted that possible cause of death was due to stress and inappropriate rescue methods.

He also added that the tapir may have been strangled to death.

Watch the video below.