Rocky’s owner slapped with 2 charges

In the Klang court complex, S Roghini Devi, the owner of a pet dog named Rocky, faced two separate charges. The first charge involved accusations of animal cruelty, while the second charge pertained to having the dog without a proper licence. During the sessions court hearing, Roghini pleaded not guilty to the cruelty charge, asserting that she had not caused unnecessary pain or suffering to her pet. The alleged incident of cruelty occurred on July 29 outside a residence in Taman Telok Gedung Indah, Port Klang.

The offense under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act could lead to a fine ranging from RM20,000 to RM100,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both upon conviction. Judge Mujib Saroji granted Roghini bail of RM6,000 with one surety and ordered her to report to the veterinary services department (DVS) monthly until the case concludes. The case management hearing was scheduled for October 8.

The DVS prosecuting officer, Sharif Sabran, argued that both Roghini and volunteer Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom should face joint trials for the same charges, as their cases shared common facts. Roghini also faced a second charge in the magistrates court of keeping Rocky without a valid licence from the city council. She entered a plea of not guilty to this charge as well, with the possibility of a maximum RM2,000 fine, up to one year in prison, or both upon conviction under Section 3 of the Dog Licensing and Dog Breeding Establishment By-Laws.

Magistrate A Karthiyayini allowed Roghini to post a RM1,000 bail with one surety, and set October 8 for mention.

Following an enforcement operation in Port Klang on July 29, Rocky passed away. The local council defended its officers, accusing Roghini of aggressive behavior during the operation. They claimed that the woman attempted to cut the loop restraining the dog and threatened to harm herself if Rocky was not released. Roghini's lawyer, Audrey Hoh, provided a watching brief for both her and Shah Idham's cases on behalf of the Malaysian Bar.