KUALA LUMPUR: The RM8,000 fine which was levelled against the Singaporean for beating a dog will send a strong message to animal abusers in Malaysia.
The patron of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said stern approach was needed when punishing the perpetrators.
“Any form of animal cruelty cannot be tolerated and should be brought to justice.
"This matter should be taken seriously and I hope the courts will continue to play an active role in cases like this,” he said in a phone interview with the New Straits Times, today.
He was commenting on the fine that was issued to the 57-year-old Terry Yee Kok Chew by the Petaling Jaya magistrate’s court here on Monday.
Lee further hoped that the public would bring animal abusers to justice.
“Members of the public must be prepared to lodge police reports when they witness such abuse. This needs to be done immediately,” he added.
He also said that reports with evidence could be sent to the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) so that the authorities can press charges using the Animal Welfare Act.
Those who are found guilty under the new Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772) can be fined a maximum of RM100,000 or three years imprisonment or both.
Lee said he hoped that DVS would conduct more enforcement exercises to reduce incidents of animal abuse.
Last August, Yee had claimed trial after being charged with animal abuse.
In April, he was caught on video falling off his bike after being startled by the dog. He then grabbed the dog by its scruff and hit it repeatedly with a helmet.
The dog, called Furby, belonged to security guards at a residential estate in Taman Melody, Puchong.
Yee's lawyer, Jerald Gomez, had previously asked for a lighter sentence, saying that the dog was not seriously injured and was currently healthy and active.
He also said that the after the video clip of the incident went viral, his client lost his franchise business license.
While stressing that he had also apologised for what he did to the dog, Yee had earlier claimed that he snapped on the occasion and had been attacked six times prior to the incident in question.