Man who neglected Husky dog jailed and fined RM8,000

KUALA LUMPUR: A jobless man was sentenced to four days in prison and fined RM8,000 in default four months jail for neglecting his dog, a Siberian husky.
Lai Yik Loy, 35, pleaded guilty after the charges were read out to him in front of magistrate Zuhair Rosli.
He was also ordered to bear the grooming and treatment charges totalling to 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.
According to the facts of the case, the male Siberian Husky was found chained to a gas cylinder in front of a house in Lorong Peel on Sept 26, 2017, around 10.30am by an enforcement officer from the Veterinary Department.
Lai 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.
Upon conviction, one can be fined a maximum of RM50,000 or jailed not more than a year or both.
The dog was found neglected without necessary treatment and care from its owner, causing it to suffer from tick infestation, skin and ear infection with maggots.
It's left eye was also swollen and 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's neglect of the dog had caused the animal to suffer needlessly, adding that he refused to cooperate with the authorities until a warrant of arrest was issued.
Lai who was not represented, asked for a light sentence in mitigation, adding that he was unemployed, and had to support his parents and girlfriend who were living with him.
Hasiah told reporters that the department will foster the dog and put it up for adoption.