KLANG, Aug. 20 -- The owner of the dog named Rocky has also been charged in the Sessions Court here with cruelty against the animal that died following an incident involving council dogcatchers.

S Roghini Devi pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before Judge Mujib Saroji. Roghini is accused of "unreasonably" pulling Rocky while a looped rope was around its neck, causing unnecessary pain or suffering to the animal, FMT reported.

The offence allegedly occurred outside a residence in Taman Teluk Gedong Indah, Port Klang, on July 29.

The charge, brought under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act, carries a penalty of a fine between RM20,000 and RM100,000, up to three years in prison, or both, upon conviction.

Judge Mujib gr...