An elderly man known for caring for stray dogs has been granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA), ending a three-year-old court case.
This was revealed by a Facebook page created to update developments of the case against Patrick Khoo, which started in March 2024.
A DNAA means Khoo is discharged from a charge of obstructing a civil servant performing his duties during a dog-catching operation three years ago, but the prosecution retains the option to reinstate the case in the future.
When contacted, one of Khoo’s lawyers, Rajsurian Pillai, confirmed the verdict before magistrate Shahril Anuar Ahmad Mustapa.
“His mental condition is not good. He can’t remember things.
“According to a hospital report read in court, his mental degradation was brought about by a stroke that he suffered,” Rajsurian told Malaysiakini.
“He is now in a nursing home,” Rajsurian added.
Earlier, online portal Free Malaysia Today reported that deputy public prosecutor Lim Leong Hui told the Petaling Jaya Magistrate’s Court that the Attorney-General’s Chambers had decided to withdraw the charge, brought under Section 186 of the Penal Code, following a review of Khoo’s health.
“We have reviewed the case and medical report, and the AGC’s instructions are to withdraw (the charge),” he was quoted as saying.
Community support
According to the Facebook page, during the legal proceedings, several volunteers also helped care for the stray dogs Khoo had been looking after.
Veterinary clinics, including Furkids Wellness Vet, Putra Heights Vet, and Wawasan Vet, were involved in rescuing and providing medical care for some of the animals.
Two of the rescued dogs, Hugo and Jie Jie, were later adopted by families.
On March 31, 2023, Khoo claimed trial to the charge of obstructing a Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) officer from catching stray dogs.
He was accused of deliberately preventing MBPJ personnel, Azizul Azzim Norehan, from carrying out his duty at a house in Taman Kanagapuram at 9pm on March 22, 2023.
MBPJ later withdrew its complaint against Khoo, but the case proceeded to a court hearing.
Before Khoo was charged in court, the media reported that the police were investigating a recording that went viral on social media showing an altercation between MBPJ officers and a man during an operation to nab stray dogs.
The man allegedly tried to protect a pack of stray dogs by letting the animals into his premises, purportedly prompting a team of dog catchers to try to stop him. - Mkini
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