JOHOR BARU: The teenager who was seen abusing dogs in a series of viral videos will be charged in court on Monday (April 3), say police.
Johor Baru North acting OCPD Supt Fariz Ammar Abdullah said that the Veterinary Services Department had recorded the suspect's statement.
"He will be charged in the Johor Baru court next Monday," he said when contacted on Friday (March 31).
Video clips of the teenager have been making rounds on social media where he is seen throwing items at some dogs taking shelter at a stairwell.
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The suspect is seen arriving at the location on multiple occasions and abusing the animals, and goes to the extent of setting one on fire.
His actions angered netizens with many condemning him for hurting the animals.
On Thursday (March 30), Supt Fariz Ammar Abdullah said that the incidents are believed to have taken place near a veterinary clinic in Taman Impian Emas in Skudai.
He added that the animal abuse case is being investigated by the Veterinary Services Department under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which carries a fine of at least RM25,000 to RM100,000, or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, if found guilty.
Johor Veterinary Services Department director Dr Maria Jamli said that they were investigating the matter.
Earlier, the 18-year-old posted a 45-second video where he admitted he was wrong and said he hoped that the public could give him a second chance.
"I understand no matter how I explain, I should not have done that. I admit my mistake.
"I am very sorry and promise not to make a similar mistake in the future. I hope that everyone can give me another chance.
"I will also pay for the treatment (of the injured dogs)," he said in a video posted on Facebook on Friday (March 31).
