PETALING JAYA: A part-time surveyor claimed trial at the Sessions Court here Friday (June 26) to charges of abandoning 36 cats, causing them to starve, and abandonment that led to the deaths of 41 cats in March.
Lee Reo Jin, 49, entered a plea of not guilty after both charges were read out before judge Noor Ruzilawati Mohd Nor.
For abandoning 36 live cats in conditions likely to cause them pain due to starvation at an apartment unit in Subang Jaya, the charge was framed under Subsection 29(1)(p) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
It is punishable under Subsection 29(1), which provides for a fine of not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM100,000, or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, upon conviction.
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For the second charge, Lee, as the owner of the cats, was accused of causing the death of 41 cats at the same place and time.
The charge was brought under Subsection 29(1)(r) of the Act, which carries similar penalties.
Selangor Veterinary Services Department (DVS) prosecuting officer Mohd Sharif Sabran offered bail at RM20,000 for both charges with one surety, along with an additional condition that the accused’s passport be surrendered to the court.
Lee, who was unrepresented, appealed for a lower bail on the grounds that she had no fixed income.
The court allowed bail at RM10,000 for both charges with one surety, and the additional condition requested by the prosecution.
Noor Ruzilawati then set Aug 7 for case mention for the appointment of counsel.
It was earlier reported that a DVS team raided an apartment in Subang Jaya on March 13 following complaints of a foul odour emanating from the unit.
The raid uncovered 41 cat carcasses wrapped and stored in a freezer, with some found scattered in the living room and cages.
In addition, 36 cats were found alive in cages, in an emaciated and weakened condition. – Bernama
