Two people have been charged in Malaysia following the death of a dog named Rocky in Port Klang, with both defendants pleading not guilty to allegations under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.
A 24-year-old man, Mohd Shahizan, and a 42-year-old woman, identified as Rohini in the report, appeared in court in Klang on August 20. The man faced one charge in the Klang Sessions Court, while the woman faced two separate charges involving the dog and alleged unlicensed ownership.
The case centres on an incident that allegedly occurred at around 11pm to 11.30pm on July 29 outside a house in Taman Teluk Kotong Indah, Port Klang.
Man And Woman Accused Of Hurting Dog
According to the charge sheet, Rohini is accused of pulling Rocky without reasonable cause, allegedly causing the dog to suffer pain.
Mohd Shahizan was separately accused of using a noose to strangle the male dog at the same location and time. Both charges relating to the alleged mistreatment were brought under Section 29(1)(e) of Malaysia’s Animal Welfare Act 2015.
The law provides for serious penalties if a person is convicted. The report stated that an offender could face a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
Both defendants denied the allegations in court, meaning the charges remain allegations and have not been proven.
The prosecution, represented by the Veterinary Services Department, proposed bail of RM6,000 for each defendant, with one local surety. Prosecutors also requested that both defendants surrender their passports and report to the Selangor Veterinary Department once a month.
Defence Lawyers Argue For Lower Bail
Mohd Shahizan’s lawyer argued that bail should primarily ensure the accused attends court and should not become a form of punishment before a conviction.
The lawyer proposed bail of RM3,500, pointing out that his client had lived at his current address for around 20 years and had previously cooperated with police investigations.
He also objected to the proposed passport surrender requirement, arguing that the defendant had not yet been convicted and should not face unnecessarily restrictive conditions.
Rohini’s lawyer similarly requested a lower bail amount. The lawyer highlighted that the woman has a disabled husband and four children, while also noting that she had cooperated with investigators.
The defence suggested bail of RM3,500 without additional conditions.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the Sessions Court granted bail of RM6,000 for each defendant, with one surety. Both defendants were also ordered to report to the Selangor State Veterinary Department once a month.
The case is scheduled to return to court on October 8.
Woman Also Faces Dog Licensing Charge
Rohini subsequently appeared before the Klang Magistrate’s Court over a separate allegation involving the same dog.
She was accused of keeping a dog aged more than three months without a valid licence issued by the Klang City Council. The alleged offence was said to have occurred at around 10.50pm on July 29 at a house in Taman Teluk Kotong Indah, Port Klang.
The charge falls under Section 3 of the 2007 Dog Licensing and Dog Breeding Farms Minor Act of the Klang Municipal Council. If convicted, she could face a fine of up to RM2,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
The prosecution requested bail of RM2,000, while her lawyer argued that the amount was excessive given the maximum fine attached to the charge.
The defence instead proposed bail of RM500, noting that Rohini was already subject to RM6,000 bail in the separate animal welfare case.
The magistrate ultimately granted RM1,000 bail with one surety pending trial.
The proceedings involving Rocky have attracted attention amid wider public concern over animal welfare and the enforcement of Malaysia’s animal protection laws. However, both defendants remain presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in court.