An unemployed man who allegedly killed three cats after putting them in a washing machine at a self-service laundrette in Kepong has been charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court with animal cruelty on Thursday (July 16).
The accused, Muhammad Najwan Zulkefli, 24, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out in front of Judge Syafeera Mohd Said.
He was charged under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which carries a fine of not less than RM20,000 or more than RM100,000 or a jail term of up to three years or both if convicted.
The offence was allegedly committed at the Atlantis self-service laundry premises in Block 3, Desa Satu Apartment, Desa Aman Puri, Kepong in Gombak, between 5am and 6.30am on July 12.
Prosecuting officer N Naageswara Rao, from the Selangor Veterinary Services Department, asked the court to send the accused to Hospital Bahagia in Ulu Kinta, Perak, for further observation as he is believed to be mentally unsound.
Muhammad Najwan, who was unrepresented, did not enter a plea and the court allowed him to be placed in Hospital Bahagia for a month for examination.
Judge Syafeera set Aug 13 for mention of the case.
Malaysia Animal Association president Arie Dwi Andika was also present in court.