Four days’ jail for abusing Siberian Husky
KUALA LUMPUR: An unemployed man was sentenced to four days’ jail and fined RM8,000 in default four months’ jail at the magistrate’s court yesterday for neglecting his dog, a Siberian Husky.
Lai Yik Loy, 35, pleaded guilty after the charges were read to him before magistrate Zuhair Rosli.
He was also ordered to bear the grooming and treatment charges totalling RM6,872, which he needs to pay to the Federal Territories Veterinary Department within three months from the date of conviction.
Lai’s ownership of the dog was also revoked and the dog was surrendered to the Veterinary Department.
He was charged under Section 44(1)(d) of the Animal Act 2015 (Act 647) read together with the Animal Act (Amendment) 2013 (Act A1452), which is punishable under Section 44(1) of the same Act.
The offender can be fined a maximum of RM50,000 or jailed not more than a year or both.
According to the facts of the case, the male Husky was found chained to a gas cylinder in front of a house in Lorong Peel on Sept 26, 2017 at about 10.30am by a Veterinary Department enforcement officer.
The dog was found to be neglected and that necessary treatment and care were not given by its owner, resulting in tick and maggot infestation, as well as skin and ear infection.
The dog’s left eye was swollen, crusted with discharge.
Veterinary Department prosecuting officer Hasiah Musa asked for a heavy sentence to be imposed on the owner, and for his ownership of the dog to be revoked.
She said Lai had refused to cooperate with the authorities until a warrant of arrest was issued.
In mitigation, Lai, who was not represented, asked for a light sentence, adding that he was jobless and had to support his parents and girlfriend who were staying with him.