Malaysia dog death case: Owner, Klang council volunteer charged over Rocky’s death
A dog owner and a local council volunteer in Malaysia have been charged separately with alleged animal cruelty following the death of a dog named Rocky during an anti-stray operation in Port Klang on 29 July. The owner also faces a separate charge of allegedly keeping the dog without a valid licence.
- Dog owner and council volunteer charged with alleged cruelty following Rocky’s death.
- Both pleaded not guilty; the owner also faces a dog licensing charge.
- Cases are scheduled for court proceedings on 8 October.
SELANGOR, MALAYSIA:A dog owner and a volunteer involved in a local council’s dog-catching operation have been charged separately with alleged animal cruelty following the death of a dog in Port Klang, Malaysia.
The dog, named Rocky, died during an anti-stray operation in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah, Selangor, on 29 July.
The owner, S. Roghini Devi, 42, and council volunteer Muhammad Shah Idham Nor Haikal Shaharom, 24, both pleaded not guilty to charges alleging that Rocky was subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering.
Allegations involving the dog
According to Malay Mail, Roghini is accused of “unreasonably” pulling Rocky while a looped rope was around the dog’s neck, allegedly causing unnecessary pain or suffering.
Roghini entered her plea before Sessions Court judge Mujib Saroji.
Separately, Muhammad Shah Idham was charged with allegedly causing unnecessary pain or suffering to Rocky by strangling the dog with a looped rope during the same incident.
The Star reported that the alleged offence took place outside a residence in Taman Teluk Gedung Indah on 29 July 2026.
Both cruelty charges were filed under Section 29(1)(e) of Malaysia’s Animal Welfare Act 2015.
A conviction carries a fine of between RM20,000 (approximately US$4,947) and RM100,000 (approximately US$24,734), imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
Court sets bail
The prosecution initially proposed RM20,000 (approximately US$4,947) bail for Muhammad Shah Idham, together with one surety, surrender of his passport and monthly reporting to the Selangor Veterinary Services Department.
His lawyer, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, requested RM3,500 (approximately US$866) bail, arguing that his client was not a flight risk.
The court subsequently set bail at RM6,000 (approximately US$1,484) with one surety and ordered Muhammad Shah Idham to report to the veterinary services department once a month.
Roghini was also granted RM6,000 (approximately US$1,484) bail with one surety and ordered to report to the Department of Veterinary Services monthly until her case concludes.
The court fixed 8 October for case management of the cruelty charges.
Prosecuting officer Mohd Sharif Sabran said the prosecution would seek to have the two cruelty cases tried together because they were based on the same set of facts.
The Malaysian Bar was also permitted to hold a watching brief in both proceedings.
Owner faces separate licensing charge
Roghini is also facing a separate charge over allegedly keeping Rocky without a valid dog licence.
The Star reported that she appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 20 August, and pleaded not guilty to allegedly keeping a dog aged more than three months without a valid licence issued by the Klang Municipal Council.
The charge was brought under Section 3 of Malaysia’s Licensing of Dogs and Dog Pounds By-Laws 2007.
If convicted, the offence carries a fine of up to RM2,000 (approximately US$495), imprisonment of up to one year, or both.
The court granted Roghini RM1,000 (approximately US$247) bail and fixed 8 October for mention.
The cruelty allegations against Roghini and Muhammad Shah Idham, as well as the licensing charge against Roghini, remain before the courts. All allegations remain unproven unless established in court.
