In the dock: Hew being escorted by bailiffs at the Sessions Court in Ipoh. — Bernama
IPOH: A mechanic has claimed trial at a Sessions Court here to a charge of animal cruelty against his dog.
Hew Kan Wai, 42, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read in Cantonese by a court interpreter before judge Jean Sharmila Jesudason yesterday.
Hew was said to have hit the dog, a mixed white and brown pit bull, with a sledgehammer and injured the animal in front of a house in Taman Ria here at about 8pm on Jan 18.
If convicted, he could be fined up to RM100,000, or jailed for a maximum three years or both.
Deputy public prosecutor Qurratu’aini Khalifah proposed a bail of RM20,000.
However, lawyer M. Kathan, from the National Legal Aid Foundation, said Hew earns about RM2,000 a month while his wife was unemployed.
“He has two children studying in Form Two and Year Six.
“He is also taking care of his mother and four nephews, age six, eight, 12 and 13, after his elder brother passed away,” he said.
As such, he said a bail of RM20,000 was too high.
When asked how much can Hew afford to pay, Kathan said the accused could only afford about RM1,000.
Qurratu’aini rebutted that RM1,000 was too low.
She also noted that the dog was alive and under the care of the Veterinary Services Department.
Jean Sharmila, who set bail at RM2,500 in one surety, fixed March 11 for mention.
She ordered Hew to report to the nearest police station once a month until the case is over.
The accused, who was arrested on Jan 20, was said to have hit the dog, which was tied to the front gate of the house, after it bit him.
A video of the incident had gone viral on social media.
