[UPDATED] Man, woman charged with animal cruelty over death of dog named Rocky

A man, Muhammad Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom aged 24, and a woman, S. Roghini Devi aged 42, were arrested at the Sessions Court in Klang for allegedly strangling a male dog named Rocky with a looped rope last month. The incident occurred between 11pm and 11.30pm on July 29 in front of a house located along Jalan Sama Gagah 20, Taman Telok Gedung Indah.

They were charged under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which carries a penalty of up to three years imprisonment or a fine between RM20,000 and RM100,000 upon conviction. Both defendants were calm when the charges were read to them and entered their pleas before Judge Mujib Saroji. The court set their bail at RM6,000 each, with the condition that they report to the Selangor Department of Veterinary Services once a month.

The accused's lawyers argued that the bail amount proposed by the prosecution is too high and suggested a lower amount of RM3,500, citing their clients' lack of prior convictions and long-term residency in Klang. The dog, Rocky, died during an enforcement operation in the neighborhood.