KAJANG: A badminton player Samuel Lee was fined RM25,000 in default six months' jail by the Sessions Court for beating a Husky dog last month.
Judge Mazualina Abdul Rashid handed down the sentence after the 21-year-old accused pleaded guilty to the offence today.
According to the charge sheet, Lee was alleged to have repeatedly struck a Husky dog with his hand on the balcony of his home near Kajang between 12.09am and 12.19am on July 1.
He was charged under Section 29(1)(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which carries a maximum of three years imprisonment or RM100,000 fine upon conviction.
Earlier, Selangor Veterinary Services Department prosecuting officer Mohd Sharif Sabran pressed for a deterrent sentence against the accused.
"The cruel act of the accused in beating the dog until it suffered depression requires a severe punishment as a lesson to the public.
"This case received widespread attention and angered the public, showing the need for serious action against animal cruelty and considering the public interest in the sentencing," he said.
Lawyer S. Rajashree, who appeared for the accused, pleaded for a minimum sentence, stating that the accused was a professional badminton player and also had family responsibilities.