A volunteer with the Klang city council claimed trial at the Sessions Court here today over an alleged animal cruelty offence involving a dog named Rocky during a stray dog-catching operation last month.
The accused, Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom, was charged with causing unnecessary pain or suffering to Rocky by allegedly strangling the dog with a looped rope.
The incident is alleged to have taken place outside a house in Taman Telok Gedung Indah, Port Klang, on July 29.
The charge was brought under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act, which carries a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both upon conviction.
Sessions Court Judge Mujib Saroji granted Shah Idham RM6,000 bail with one surety and ordered him to report to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) once a month while the case is ongoing.
The court also fixed October 8 for case management.
DVS prosecuting officer Sharif Sabran appeared for the prosecution, while lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali represented Shah Idham.
Rocky died during an enforcement operation in Port Klang on July 29, with the incident subsequently drawing public attention and calls for action.
The local council had defended its officers involved in the operation and claimed that Rocky’s owner behaved aggressively during the incident.
According to the council, the woman attempted to cut the loop being used to restrain Rocky and threatened to harm herself if the dog was not released.
