Heavier sentence on appeal for duo who dragged dog for 2.3km
KAMPAR: Two senior citizens who dragged a chained dog along the road for 2.3km were jailed seven days and fined RM7,800 each by a magistrate’s court here after they appealed against an earlier sentence.
Wong Then Yoong, 67, and Aw Soon Fatt, 66, remained calm during sentencing by magistrate Nur Faizah Muhamad Saleh.
They were charged with committing the offence at Jalan Batu Sinar, Bandar Baru Kampar here on Nov 11, 2016 at about 11am.
The two were on a motorcycle when they intentionally dragged Wong’s dog behind them.
However, the two appealed against their jail term, and on Aug 4, 2017 the High Court ordered for them to be charged again for the offence as the conviction and sentence was not in accordance with amendments to the Act.
The amended law provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 or one year in jail, or both, enhanced from a maximum fine of RM200 or six months in jail, or both.
In her judgement, Nur Faizah stated that the prosecution had proved a prima facie case against the accused.
“The court is satisfied that the prosecution has proven its case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
“I am therefore sentencing both of you to seven days jail, and a fine of RM7,800 each, in default 12 months’ jail,” she said.
Deputy public prosecutor Kenneth Onn had requested for a deterrent sentence.
“The dog was in pain and suffering when the accused carried out the act.
“A heavy sentence should be imposed, and this should be a warning to the community to ensure such an offence is not repeated,” he added.
Their accused’s lawyer Syahredzan Johan said his clients were senior citizens, had no income and depended on their children.
He said both his clients were remorseful and promised not to repeat the offence again.