Council volunteer, dog owner hit with animal cruelty charges
KLANG: Two people, including the woman who claimed ownership of a dog that died during an anti-stray operation, have been charged with animal cruelty at the Sessions Court here.
Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) volunteer and food delivery rider Muhammad Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom, 24, and S. Roghini Devi, 42, pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty yesterday.
Both appeared separately before judge Mujib Saroji.
Muhammad Shah Idham was accused of unreasonably strangling a male dog named Rocky using a looped rope, causing pain to the animal, while Roghini was accused of unreasonably pulling the dog.
The offences were allegedly committed in front of a house in Jalan Sama Gagah in Taman Telok Gedung Indah, Port Klang, between 11pm and 11.30pm on July 29.
The charge under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 carries a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000, up to three years’ imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.
The prosecution sought RM20,000 bail for each accused, with one surety, as well as additional conditions including surrendering their passports and reporting to the Selangor Veterinary Department once a month.
However, lawyers Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali and Jeremy Vinesh Anthony sought RM3,500 bail each.
Judge Mujib set bail at RM6,000 with one surety for each accused, ordering them to report monthly to the Selangor Veterinary Department.
The case was fixed for mention on Oct 8.
On the same day, Roghini also claimed trial at the Magistrate’s Court here to a separate charge of keeping a dog aged more than three months without a valid licence issued by the council.
She allegedly committed the offence at the same location at about 10.50pm on July 29.
The charge under Section 3 of the Licensing of Dogs and Dog Pounds By-Laws (MPK) 2007 carries a fine of up to RM2,000, a jail term of up to one year, or both.
Magistrate A. Karthiyayini granted her RM1,000 bail and fixed Oct 8 for mention.
Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, lawyer Muhammad Rafique said several social media influencers face potential civil action for allegedly defaming his client.
He stressed that there was no element of “murder” as alleged on social media.
He also said the online remarks had resulted in threats against Muhammad Shah Idham and his family, friends and residents in the area.
