Mechanic, friend charged with animal cruelty for allegedly dragging 'Blacky' behind motorcycle

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.

Lee Beng Hooi and Yeoh Keat Chye, both 62, pleaded not guilty to the charge read before Judge Irwan Suainbon.

They were jointly charged with dragging a female black dog, which was tied with an iron chain, along the road using a motorcycle, causing unnecessary pain and suffering to the animal.

The offence was committed in a back lane behind a row of terrace houses at Jalan Hijau 4, between 6.26pm and 6.30pm on Sept 23.

The charge was framed under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.

If convicted, they face a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

Veterinary Services Department (DVS) prosecuting officer Noorfaiz Fikri Nor Azmi prosecuted, assisted by Azhar Ahmad. The accused were represented by counsel K. Mahendran.

Both men nodded and said "not guilty" when asked to enter their pleas.

Noorfaiz asked the court to fix a date for the submission of documents.

Azhar also informed the court that an application would be filed to dispose of the dog under the Animal Welfare Act.

"This is to enable the dog to be put up for adoption to a party which the department deems fit," he said.

Irwan fixed Dec 7 for mention.

The dog, named Blacky by her handler, was also in court today. She has since recovered from her leg injuries and appeared to be in high spirits.

On Sept 24, it was reported that Penang DVS identified the two men captured on video dragging a black dog behind a motorcycle in Batu Lancang, Jelutong.

The incident came to light after a passer-by intervened and urged the men to stop. Independent animal rescuer David Yim then lodged an official report with the department.

Following the report, Penang DVS director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab said officers had acted immediately to locate the men and rescue the dog.