inger-cum-activist Melanie Subono filed a report on suspected animal abuse and negligence allegedly committed by animal foundation Animal Defenders Indonesia owner Doni Herdaru Tona to the Jakarta Police on Thursday.
Explaining the case, Melanie said she entrusted her five dogs to Doni’s shelter for care around July last year. “Only four of them were returned to me. Since then, I’ve been trying to get my dog back,” she said.
Melanie claimed Doni kept avoiding her and gave her unclear reasons when she demanded to see her 8-year-old pug named Nina. “Even after I posted my story on Instagram and wrote an open letter, he remained unmoved.”
Melanie never received any clarification from Doni, whereas she heard news from her friends that her dog had escaped, was tortured and had died.
She also showed several pictures, which showed other animals in the shelter that had been neglected.
Melanie also reported to the police that despite the money given to the foundation by its benefactors, no financial reports had ever been released.
The Jakarta Police confirmed they had received the report. Should their investigation prove the allegations, Doni will be charged with Criminal Code Article 302 on animal protection and Article 372 on embezzlement, the police said. (dea/ebf)
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