PETALING JAYA, Aug 5 - The owner of Rocky, the dog that was allegedly beaten, strangled and dragged to its death on July 29 by local council personnel in Klang during a stray dog-catching operation, is considering legal action against those responsible.
Lawyer Choo Dee Wei, representing Rocky’s owner Roghini Devi, 42, on a pro bono basis, said his client has yet to decide whether to initiate criminal or civil proceedings.
“She is seeking legal advice, and we are advising her at this point in time.
“I can’t say a definitive ‘yes’ or ‘no’ yet, but things are still in the early stages,” he said after a press conference titled “Justice for Rocky” at Rogues@Gasing here today.
When asked whether Roghini is mulling legal action, Choo said: “Yes, she is contemplating legal action against the wrongdoers.”
His legal team was appointed by Stray Animal Feeders of Malaysia (SAFM) to represent Roghini.
Choo said he and fellow lawyer Jamie Wong accompanied Roghini when she gave her statement under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code at the South Klang district police headquarters to ensure the process was properly conducted.
He said the legal team would represent Roghini if allegations are made against her.
A beloved family pet
During the press conference, Roghini said Rocky was a beloved pet that had been part of the family since August 2024, and showed photos of the dog, including when it was a puppy, with her children and inside their home.
She said her priority is to seek justice for Rocky through a proper legal process and that she is waiting for the investigation result from the Veterinary Services Department (DVS).
“I am waiting for the DVS report. Justice must come of it,” she said.
On August 3, South Klang district police chief Lim Jit Huey said an investigation paper on the death of Rocky in a Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) operation will be referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutors’ (DPP) Office soon.
Meanwhile, SAFM president Kalaivanan Ravichandran said the group’s role is not to determine who is at blame but to ensure the case is investigated fairly.
“According to the guidelines, dogs must be captured in a humane manner. (They) clearly state that animals should not be pulled, dragged, or lifted using a loop,” he said.
While Rocky’s owner may be responsible for licensing issues, Kalaivanan said a lack of a licence does not justify animal cruelty.
“The absence of a licence does not give anyone the right to cause unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal,” he said.
He urged the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) to clarify whether the operation involving Rocky complied with guidelines for the humane capture of stray dogs, including the methods and equipment used during the operation.
Kalaivanan also called for the state government to review its SOPs for stray animal management and urged police and DVS to conduct transparent investigations.