The case involving a male dog named Rocky was brought before the Sessions Court today (Aug 20), with two individuals pleading not guilty to animal cruelty charges.
24-year-old Muhammad Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom and S. Roghini Devi, 42, who was described as Rocky’s owner, entered their pleas separately before Judge Mujib Saroji.
Here’s what you need to know about the case.
What allegedly happened to Rocky?
According to the charge, Muhammad Shah allegedly strangled a male dog using a looped rope, causing pain to the animal.
Reported by Kosmo!, the alleged incident took place in front of a house along Jalan Sama Gagah, Taman Telok Gedung Indah in Port Klang between 11pm and 11.30pm on July 29.
Meanwhile, Roghini was separately accused of pulling the male dog at the same location and on the same date.
Both pleaded not guilty to their respective charges.
What are they charged under?
Both were charged under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
If convicted, they may face a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
Prosecution initially sought RM20,000 bail
Selangor Veterinary Services Department prosecuting officer Mohd Sharif Sabran proposed bail of RM20,000 for each accused with one surety.
He also requested additional conditions requiring them to surrender their passports to the court and report to the Selangor Veterinary Department once a month.
Muhammad Shah’s lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali asked for bail to be reduced to RM3,500, arguing that his client was not a flight risk.
The lawyer also argued that bail should not become a form of punishment before an accused person is found guilty.
Roghini is a mother of four
Roghini’s lawyer Jeremy Vinesh Anthony also requested bail of RM3,500 without additional conditions.
He told the court that Roghini supports members of her family, is a mother of four, and that her husband is a person with disabilities.
Both granted RM6,000 bail
The court eventually set bail at RM6,000 each with one surety.
Both are also required to report to the Selangor Veterinary Department once a month.
The case has been fixed for mention again on Oct. 8.
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