Dog abuse case: Two plead not guilty in Klang court

In Klang, Malaysia, a dog catcher and a woman, identified as Muhammad Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom, 24, and S. Roghini Devi, 42, have pleaded not guilty to charges of causing distress to a dog named Rocky. The alleged incident occurred on July 29.

Muhammad Shah is accused of unreasonably jerking the male dog with a loop leash, while Roghini is accused of unreasonably pulling the animal. The events reportedly took place in front of a house in Taman Telok Gedung Indah, Pelabuhan Klang, between 11:00 PM and 11:30 PM on the specified date.

If convicted under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, both face fines ranging from RM20,000 to RM100,000 or imprisonment up to three years, or both. The Selangor Veterinary Services Department prosecutor proposed bail of RM20,000 for each defendant, requiring a guarantor and monthly reporting to the department, along with passport surrender.

Defense lawyers argued for lower bail, citing the defendants' lack of flight risk and financial circumstances. Muhammad Shah's lawyer requested RM3,500 bail, emphasizing he has no prior offenses and has lived in the same location for 22 years. Roghini's lawyer highlighted her role as a caregiver for her disabled husband and four children, also requesting RM3,500 bail without additional conditions.

Sessions Court Judge Mujib Saroji ultimately set bail at RM6,000 for each defendant, with the condition of monthly reporting to the Selangor Veterinary Services Department. The case will be mentioned again on October 8.