So both Rocky’s owner and stray vigilante will be jointly charged over canine’s untimely death

 

FAIR and square.

It could be a last-minute decision in that both the canine Rocky owner S. Roghini Devi and stray eradication vigilante Muhammad Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom a.k.a. Shah are to be jointly charged at the Klang Sessions Court 4 at 9am  tody (Aug 20).

This came to light following an Instagram post late last night (Aug 19) by the Stray Animal Feeders of Malaysia (SAFM) that Roghini – like Shah – will be charged under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 [Act 772].

Apparently, Shah has been summoned to appear before the Klang Sessions Court on Monday (Aug 17) as per news report and a Facebook post by his sympathiser and Muslim convert preacher Firdaus Wong Wai Hung.

Under Act 772 which is intended to protect animals, promote responsible pet ownership and prevent animal cruelty, an offender is liable to a fine of RM20,000 to RM100,000 or up to three years jail or both for causing unreasonable or unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal.

“SAFM has coordinated legal representation for Roghini and a team of lawyers will be present to represent her during the proceedings,” SAFM which is the stary welfare and animal rights NGO pointed out.

“As the matter is now before the court, we will respect the legal process and provide a further factual update after the proceedings.”

The latest development was also shared by Rohgini’s lawyer Choo Dee Wei who had earlier stated that his client is weighing civil or criminal legal options pending the final findings from the police and veterinary authorities.

Recall that both Rohgini, 42, and Shah, 24, were embroiled in a somehow scuffle amid a contentious stray dog control and capture incident outside the former’s home in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Port Klang on July 29.

The pet owner had alleged that Rocky was dragged from under a car, beaten and restrained with a wire-threaded cable around its neck and that her dog had already died by the time Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) officers arrived.

No need to gather in court

Acknowledging that Rocky did not have a valid municipal license, she claimed to have pleaded with the handlers to remove the tight restraint and offered to surrender the dog herself.

The case eventually sparked widespread public outrage which spilled over racist and religious boundaries from both the rightist fraternity and animal lovers.

This prompted the Selangor Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to open investigations into the incident under Section 428 of the Penal Code for animal cruelty.

Meanwhile, the cops have called for calm in that there is no need for a gathering at today’s (Aug 20) court appearance of Shah as the legal process is under way with a full investigation conducted.

Below is the advice from Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar:

Regarding the possibility of a gathering, I advise that there is no need to escalate this issue to the extent of organising any gathering or demonstration. From a legal perspective, the investigation has been conducted and we’ve identified the parties responsible.

 

As the public have placed their trust in law enforcement agencies, particularly the police to conduct investigations, it has carried out its duties to ensure a fair investigation.

The outcome of the investigation has now led to instructions for charges to be brought tomorrow (today).

This demonstrates that we’ve not ignored the matter and that we’ve not taken sides with anyone.

Now it seems that the same directive is also extended to the so-called Rohgini’s supporters and animal lovers to practise restraint by letting the law take its course. –  Focus Malaysia