A mechanic and his friend have been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly dragging a dog tied to a motorcycle along a road in Penang last month.
Lee Beng Hooi and Yeoh Keat Chye, both 62, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read before Sessions Court Judge Irwan Suainbon on Thursday.
The duo are accused of dragging a female black dog, secured with an iron chain, behind a motorcycle and causing unnecessary pain and suffering to the animal.
The alleged offence took place in a back lane behind a row of terrace houses at Jalan Hijau 4 between 6.26pm and 6.30pm on Sept 23.
They were charged under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code. If convicted, they face a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
Veterinary Services Department (DVS) prosecuting officer Noorfaiz Fikri Nor Azmi prosecuted the case, assisted by Azhar Ahmad. The accused were represented by lawyer K. Mahendran.
Both men nodded and entered pleas of “not guilty” when asked by the court.
Noorfaiz requested a date for the submission of documents, while Azhar informed the court that an application would be filed to dispose of the dog under the Animal Welfare Act.
Azhar said the application was intended to allow the dog to be put up for adoption by a party deemed suitable by the department.
The court fixed Dec 7 for mention.
The dog, named Blacky by her handler, was also present in court. She has since recovered from her leg injuries and appeared to be in high spirits.
On Sept 24, it was reported that Penang DVS had identified the two men after a video showing a black dog being dragged behind a motorcycle in Batu Lancang, Jelutong, circulated.
The incident came to light after a passer-by intervened and urged the men to stop. Independent animal rescuer David Yim subsequently lodged an official report with the department.
Penang DVS director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab said officers had acted immediately to locate the men and rescue the dog following the report.
