{
  "id": 17000699,
  "title": "Mechanic, friend charged with animal cruelty for allegedly dragging 'Blacky' behind motorcycle",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/mechanic-friend-charged-with-animal-cruelty-for-allegedly-dragging",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T03:11:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/10/1566007/mechanic-friend-charged-animal-cruelty-allegedly-dragging-blacky"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A mechanic and his 62-year-old friend appeared in court today, charged with animal cruelty for allegedly dragging a black dog behind a motorcycle. Lee Beng Hooi and Yeoh Keat Chye pleaded not guilty to the charge against them, which occurred on September 23 in a back lane behind Jalan Hijau 4. The pair were accused of tying the female dog with an iron chain and dragging her for a few minutes, causing unnecessary pain and suffering. If found guilty, they face a fine between RM20,000 and RM100,000, up to three years in prison, or both. The Veterinary Services Department (DVS) is handling the case, with prosecution by Noorfaiz Fikri Nor Azmi. The accused are represented by counsel K. Mahendran. The dog, named Blacky, was also present in court and has since recovered from her leg injuries. The incident was reported after a passer-by intervened and stopped the men, who were then identified by independent animal rescuer David Yim.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN: A mechanic and his friend were charged in the Sessions Court today with animal cruelty after allegedly dragging a dog tied to a motorcycle last month.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}