KUALA LUMPUR: A 39-year-old businesswoman, Yap Quan Lan, has been jailed three days and fined RM200 for abusing her pet dog.  

She pleaded guilty in a magistrate's court here yesterday to having caused pain and suffering to the dog in Jalan Burung Serendit, Taman Bukit Maluri, Kepong at 11am on Dec 8.  

Yap admitted to not providing the dog with proper care, medication for injuries caused by the abuse and proper shelter as the dog had been tied and exposed to the rain and sun.  

Prosecuting officer from the Veterinary Service Department, Hasiah Musa, said that under Section 44(1)(d) of the Animal Ordinance, 1953, Yap could be fined RM200 or jailed six months or both for abusing the animal. 

She said enforcement personnel raided Yap's house following a complaint from a neighbour and found the mongrel tied to a tree. 

The dog, which had been under Yap's care since 2002, had injuries to its back due to the scalding three months earlier and also a deep cut caused by a steel chain tied tightly around its neck.  

“The dog has since been treated, and the medical expenses and relocation to the Veterinary Department amounted to RM210,” said Hasiah, when applying for an order from magistrate Manira Mohd Nor for Yap to reimburse the department.  

Pleading for leniency, Yap who was unrepresented, said she had to take care of her aged mother-in-law and four children and that her husband was working outstation.  

In sentencing Yap, Manira said the court had considered that the injuries caused to the dog were due to the scalding and that Yap also did not provide it with any medical treatment. 

She said she was imposing the sentence to deter other pet owners from committing similar offences and also taking into account the public interest.  

“I also order that the dog be placed at the Veterinary Department and the cost of the medical expenses and relocation to be borne by you,” said Manira.  

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