Did the Penang High Court uphold the dog-beating convictions?

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Penang High Court Upholds Dog-Beating Convictions While Reducing Fines

The Penang High Court has upheld the convictions of two men for beating a dog, affirming their guilt under the Animal Welfare Act 2015. However, the court modified the financial penalty, reducing the fine for each individual from RM50,000 to RM30,000. This decision by Justice Choong Yeow Choy maintained the guilty verdict based on direct and video evidence presented during the trial.
Conviction Affirmed Based on Evidence

Justice Choong Yeow Choy dismissed the appeals lodged by Rosli Mat Zin, 56, and Suhaili Haron, 52, against their conviction under Section 29 (1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015. The court found that the initial conviction by the Sessions Court was supported by admissible direct evidence and properly admitted video evidence, which established their guilt for beating a dog on July 8, 2023, in Kampung Teluk Tempoyak, Batu Maung, Penang.
Sentence Varied with Reduced Fine

While the conviction stood, the High Court allowed the appeal concerning the sentence. The original RM50,000 fine, with a default imprisonment of 12 months, was varied to RM30,000 each, with a default of six months' imprisonment. This adjustment reflects the court's consideration of the appropriate penalty within the framework of the Act, which stipulates fines between RM20,000 and RM100,000, or imprisonment up to three years, or both.
Lawful Police Investigation Confirmed

The court rejected the argument that the police investigation was conducted in violation of the Animal Welfare Act. Appellants had contended that only appointed animal welfare officers possess the authority to investigate offences under the Act. Justice Choong clarified that the Act's provisions do not preclude the general investigative powers of the police, which are derived from the Criminal Procedure Code and the Police Act 1967, confirming that police are not restricted from handling cases under the Animal Welfare Act.

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Did the Penang High Court uphold the dog-beating convictions?

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