Rocky’s owner slapped with 2 charges

 S Roghini Devi is charged with committing animal cruelty against Rocky and keeping the pet dog without a valid licence.

S Roghini Devi arriving at the Klang court complex.

KLANG:

The owner of the pet dog named Rocky was charged at two separate courts here today, where she was accused of committing animal cruelty and keeping it without a licence.

S Roghini Devi pleaded not guilty to committing animal cruelty against Rocky after the charge was read at the sessions court before judge Mujib Saroji.

Roghini is accused of “unreasonably” pulling Rocky while a looped rope was around its neck, causing unnecessary pain or suffering to the animal.

The offence allegedly took place outside a house in Taman Telok Gedung Indah, Port Klang, on July 29.

The charge under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act is punishable by a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000, up to three years in prison, or both, upon conviction.

Mujib granted bail of RM6,000 with one surety and ordered Roghini to report to the veterinary services department (DVS) every month until her case concludes.

The judge fixed Oct 8 for case management.

DVS prosecuting officer Sharif Sabran prosecuted while lawyer Choo Dee Wei and Jeremy Vignesh represented Roghini.

Sharif told the court that the prosecution would seek a joint trial for Roghini and Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom, a volunteer with the Klang city council who also claimed trial to the same charge over Rocky’s death.

Sharif said both cases involved the same facts.

Roghini was later charged in the magistrates’ court with keeping Rocky without a valid licence from the city council. She claimed trial.

She faces a maximum RM2,000 fine, up to a year in prison, or both, if convicted under Section 3 of the Dog Licensing and Dog Breeding Establishment By-Laws.

Magistrate A Karthiyayini allowed Roghini to post bail of RM1,000 with one surety. The court also fixed Oct 8 for mention.

Rocky died during an enforcement operation in Port Klang on July 29. The local council defended its officers and accused Roghini of behaving aggressively during the operation.

The council said the woman attempted to cut the loop used to restrain the dog and threatened to harm herself if Rocky was not released. - FMT