Man, woman claim trial to animal cruelty against dog named Rocky (Updated)

On August 20, 2026, a 24-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman appeared at Klang Sessions Court to face charges of animal cruelty against a dog named Rocky. The pair, Muhammad Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom and S. Roghini Devi, were separately charged with strangling the male dog with a looped rope, causing it pain. The incident occurred during a stray dog-catching operation in Taman Telok Gedung Indah, Port Klang, on July 29, between 11 pm and 11.30 pm.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty at the trial. If convicted, the man faces a fine of RM20,000 to RM100,000, up to three years in prison, or both. The woman faces a similar fine and up to three years in prison. Judge Mujib Saroji granted bail of RM6,000 with one surety for both accused, who must report to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) monthly until the case is resolved.

Sharif Sabran from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) prosecuted, with Rafique Rashid Ali and Choo Dee Wei representing Shah Idham, and Jeremy Vignesh Anthony representing Roghini. The court heard that both cases involved the same facts and would be treated as a joint trial. Security was heightened, with 50 police personnel and officers from the South Klang District Police Headquarters present. No protests or gatherings were reported outside the court.

The case gained public attention after a video of the incident went viral on social media. Roghini also faced a separate charge for failing to obtain a valid license for Rocky, which carries a fine of RM2,000 or a one-year jail term. Magistrate A. Karthiyayini set bail at RM1,000 with one surety for the woman, with a mention date set for August 8.