KLANG — A volunteer dog catcher attached to the Klang Royal City Council claimed trial in the Sessions Court today over charges of animal cruelty involving the death of a dog named Rocky during a stray management operation last month.
Muhammad Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom, 24, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before Judge Mujib Saroji.
Allegations and Legal Framework
The accused is alleged to have caused unnecessary pain and suffering to the dog by strangling it with a looped rope during an enforcement action outside a residence in Taman Telok Gedung Indah, Port Klang, on July 29.
The charge was framed under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which is punishable under Section 29(1) of the same Act. If convicted, the offender faces:
- A fine ranging from RM20,000 to RM100,000
- Imprisonment for up to three years, or both
Bail Conditions and Next Proceedings
Judge Mujib set bail at RM6,000 with one surety. In addition, the court ordered Shah Idham to report to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) once a month pending the outcome of the trial.
Department of Veterinary Services prosecuting officer Mohd Sharif Sabran represented the prosecution, while lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali appeared for the accused.
The court has scheduled October 8 for case management.
Background of the Incident
The incident occurred during an enforcement round targeted at strays in Port Klang, which culminated in the death of the dog.
Local council authorities previously defended the officers’ conduct, claiming that a confrontation erupted when the dog’s owner acted aggressively, allegedly attempting to sever the capture loop and threatening self-harm during the restraint process.
