Full Article at the Malay Mail

RITA JONG
SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR, Oct 18
An engineer who neglected his pedigree German Shepherd to such an extent it had to be put to sleep, was fined RM100 for neglect — a sentence which sparked an outcry among animal lovers.

The seven-year-old canine, going by the name Sheena, was found in a pitiful state and was put to sleep immediately by the Kuala Lumpur Veterinary Services Department as it could not be saved.

Based on the post mortem report, Sheena suffered from infection caused by ticks, brittle bones due to malnutrition from young and malfunction of all major organs causing water retention which resulted in a bloated abdomen, empty bladder and stomach. In a nutshell, the dog starved to death.

It was found by Veterinary Services Department officers in the compound of house No. 38, USJ 17/3B, in Subang Jaya at 2.45pm on Aug 18. Sheena was put to sleep the same day.

Yesterday, its owner Lien Chong San, 46, apologised to magistrate Hafizah Abdul Rajak, claiming the dog was old and sick.

“When I first got the dog, she was well looked after. Subsequently, I had to move and had other problems to deal with. I could no longer look after her.” Hafizah fined him RM100, in default two days’ jail.

Lien paid the fine and tried to escape photographers by hiding behind court officials as he left the magistrate’s court.

Later after proceedings, Selangor SPCA animal inspector Sabrina Yeap, told reporters that when Sheena was found, she was seated in front of her rusty bowl, filled with dirty water.

“She had ticks all over her body, and the condition was filthy. Her faeces were all over the compound,” she said.

“Lien neglected giving adequate care to Sheena, causing her health to deteriorate, leaving her infected with fleas.”

He was charged under Section 44(1)(d) of the Animal Ordinance 1953, which carries a maximum RM200 fine, or a maximum six months in jail, or both.

“We will appeal to the High Court for the maximum sentence under this section. RM100 is too low,” Yeap said.

“The dog died because of Lien’s neglect and we strongly feel he should be jailed.”

She said the SPCA will fight for the amendments to the Animal Ordinance (Section 44), seeking stiffer punishment for those who abuse or neglect their pets.

“Animals cannot talk, but they have their rights too. Hence, we must speak up and protect them,” Yeap said.