KLANG, Aug 20 — The owner of the dog named Rocky has also been charged in the Sessions Court here with cruelty against the animal that died following an incident involving council dogcatchers.
S Roghini Devi pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before Judge Mujib Saroji. Roghini is accused of “unreasonably” pulling Rocky while a looped rope was around its neck, causing unnecessary pain or suffering to the animal, FMT reported.
The offence allegedly occurred outside a residence in Taman Teluk Gedong Indah, Port Klang, on July 29.
The charge, brought under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act, carries a penalty of a fine between RM20,000 and RM100,000, up to three years in prison, or both, upon conviction.
Judge Mujib granted bail of RM6,000 with one surety and ordered Roghini to report to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) every month until her case concludes. The court has fixed Oct 8 for case management.
DVS prosecuting officer Sharif Sabran appeared for the prosecution, while lawyers Choo Dee Wei and Jeremy Vignesh represented Roghini.
During the proceedings, Sharif informed the court that the prosecution would seek a joint trial for Roghini and Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom, a Klang city council volunteer who also claimed trial to the same charge.
Sharif noted that both cases are based on the same set of facts.
The Malaysian Bar was allowed to hold a watching brief in both cases, with lawyer Audrey Hoh Foong Yee appearing on its behalf.
