Dog Catcher, Owner Plead Not Guilty to Animal Cruelty Charges

A dog catcher and a woman, identified as the owner of the animal, pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to charges of causing suffering to a dog named Rocky. The alleged incident took place on July 29.

Muhammad Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom, 24, and S. Roghini Devi, 42, entered their pleas separately. The charges state that Muhammad Shah allegedly noosed a male dog, causing it pain, while Roghini is accused of pulling the animal unreasonably. These actions reportedly occurred in front of a house in Taman Telok Gedung Indah, Pelabuhan Klang, between 11:00 PM and 11:30 PM on July 29.

If convicted under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, both defendants could face fines ranging from RM20,000 to RM100,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

The prosecution proposed bail of RM20,000 for each defendant, with one surety, requiring them to surrender their passports and report to the Selangor Veterinary Services Department monthly. However, the defense lawyers argued for lower bail, citing the defendants' ties to the community and family responsibilities. The judge ultimately set bail at RM6,000 for each, with the same reporting condition. The case is scheduled for mention on October 8.