A man who was filmed dragging a cat by a rope across an apartment corridor on Old Klang Road last month has been fined RM10,000 today (18 December).
According to report, Judge Norina Zainol Abidin handed down the sentence to 43-year-old sales and marketing executive Goh Kuan Pan after he pleaded guilty to the charge.
The judge also imposed a two-month jail sentence if Goh fails to pay the fine.
The charge was brought under Section 44(1)(d) of the Animals Act 1953 of Malaysia, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, a prison term of up to one year, or both.
Additionally, the court ordered that the cat, a British Shorthair named ‘Yuan,’ be placed under the safe custody of the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), unless Goh files an application for the cat’s return.
Goh’s lawyer, Gabriel Susayan, requested a lighter sentence, citing his client’s family responsibilities.
At the time of press, Goh had paid the fine.
The Malaysian Animal Association had previously urged the key witness who recorded the incident to step forward and file a police report to ensure proper legal action under the Animal Criminal Justice System.
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