GEORGE TOWN: A fisherman and a bus driver are facing up to three years’ jail after being accused of killing a dog.
Rosli Mat Zin, 53, and Suhaili Haron, 49, were charged with animal cruelty at the Sessions Court here for allegedly bludgeoning a dog to death.
The duo seemed unfazed as they pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court judge Mohammad Khalid Ab Karim yesterday.
Based on the charge sheet, Rosli and Suhaili were accused of hitting a dog in a drain at around 8.30pm on July 8 at Kampung Teluk Tempoyak in Batu Maung on the island.
They were charged under Section 29(1)(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 for cruelly beating, kicking, overloading, torturing or terrifying any animal.
If found guilty, a fine no less than RM20,000 and up to RM100,000 will be imposed, or a maximum of three years’ imprisonment, or both.
Mohammad Khalid set bail at RM1,000 in one surety for each of the accused, before adding the condition that both will have to present themselves at the nearest police station from their house on the first of every month until the case is over.
A case to answer: Rosli (second from left) and Suhaili being led to the Sessions Court where they face animal cruelty charges. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
“Since you have asked for a trial, you will need to appoint a lawyer to represent you.
“If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you under the National Legal Aid Foundation,” he added.
Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Lim Jin Hong urged for the bail to be set at a higher amount to motivate the accused to appear in court.
Case mention was set for Aug 16, pending the appointment of a lawyer.
It was reported that a black mongrel was bludgeoned to death after getting run over by a motorcycle.
Two video clips of the act were shared on Twitter, and the person who posted it claimed it happened at a village road in Penang at night on July 8.
