KUALA LUMPUR: A sales and marketing executive was fined RM10,000 by the Sessions Court for mistreating his cat, Yuan, by dragging it with a rope tied around its neck.
Goh Kuan Pan, 43, pleaded guilty to an alternative charge read to him before judge Norina Zainol Abidin.
The charge, framed under Section 44(1)(d) of the Animal Act, carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
Norina ordered him to serve two months in jail if he failed to pay the fine.
Goh admitted to committing the act on his one-year-old cat between 11.17pm and 11.42pm in the corridor of Scott Garden, Jalan Klang Lama, on Nov 21.
A video of the incident went viral, sparking public outrage.
The court heard that the cat did not suffer any injuries and has been placed under the care of the Veterinary Services Department (DVS).
In mitigation, Goh's lawyer, Gabriel Susayan, said his client is supporting his parents on a RM5,000 monthly salary and has no prior convictions.
"He expressed remorse for his actions. His guilty plea, as soon as the charge was read out to him, saved the court's time and costs.
"I plead to the court to consider imposing a good behaviour bond with a minimal surety. If not, I ask for a fine within his income range," he said, adding that the fact the cat was unharmed should also be considered.
Gabriel also applied for the cat to be returned to Goh, who promised to take better care of the animal and adhere to conditions set by the authorities.
He said Goh should be given a chance to care for the cat, as there were no reports that it had suffered, was filthy, or was malnourished.
In a rebuttal, Kuala Lumpur DVS prosecuting officer Syed Hilfi Syed Ali urged the court to impose a sentence that would serve as a deterrent.
"The act of dragging the cat should not have happened. He could have carried the cat if it did not want to walk.
"The prosecution applies for the cat to be forfeited to the DVS so it can be adopted by a new owner," he said.
Norina ruled that the prosecution must file a forfeiture application and serve it on the defence.
"Meanwhile, the cat is temporarily placed under the care of the Kuala Lumpur DVS," she said.