The purported owner of a dog named Rocky and a volunteer with the Klang Royal City Council were charged separately today with animal cruelty over the dog’s death during a stray dog-catching operation in Port Klang, Selangor, last month.
Free Malaysia Today reported that S Roghini Devi, who claimed to be Rocky’s owner, and Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom both pleaded not guilty at the Klang Sessions Court to charges under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
Roghini was accused of “unreasonably” pulling Rocky while a looped rope was around its neck, causing the dog unnecessary pain or suffering.
Shah Idham (above, left) was accused of causing unnecessary pain or suffering to Rocky by strangling it with a looped rope.
Both offences allegedly occurred outside a house in Taman Telok Gedung Indah, Port Klang, on July 29.
The offence carries a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000, up to three years’ imprisonment, or both.
Judge Mujib Saroji reportedly granted both the accused bail of RM6,000 with one surety and ordered them to report to the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) monthly pending disposal of their cases. Case management was set for Oct 8.
DVS prosecuting officer Sharif Sabran told the court that the prosecution would seek a joint trial as both cases involved the same facts.
Lawyers Choo Dee Wei and Jeremy Vignesh represented Roghini, while Rafique Rashid Ali represented Shah Idham.
Roghini was later separately charged at the Magistrate’s Court with keeping Rocky without a valid licence issued by the council. She also pleaded not guilty.
Under Section 3 of the Dog Licensing and Dog Breeding Establishment By-Laws, she faces a maximum fine of RM2,000, up to one year’s imprisonment, or both.
Magistrate A Karthiyayini granted her bail of RM1,000 with one surety and fixed Oct 8 for mention.
Rocky’s controversial death
Rocky’s death during the July 29 enforcement operation drew public attention after accounts emerged of a confrontation between Roghini and personnel involved in catching the dog.
The Klang council subsequently defended its personnel, saying Roghini had acted aggressively during the operation.
According to the council, she attempted to cut the loop used to restrain Rocky and threatened to harm herself if the dog was not released.
The DVS later investigated the incident, culminating in today’s charges against Roghini and Shah Idham.
The prosecution’s move for a joint trial means the allegations against Roghini and Shah Idham are likely to be heard together, as they stem from the same operation and Rocky’s death. - Mkini
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