Malaysians across the country were left appalled by the behaviour of a 19-year-old Johor man after CCTV video footage of him beating up a helpless stray dog before setting it on fire was uploaded to social media, where it quickly went viral.
Following that, the vet who had been taking care of the dog lodged a police report and contacted the Department of Veterinary Services regarding the disturbing case, hoping that the culprit would be brought to justice.
The 19-year-old’s grandparents have since reached out to the vet to ask for clemency, and his mother had requested for the police report to be withdrawn, claiming that his son previously sustained broken bones after being chased by stray dogs. She has also urged for others not to harass her family over the incident, reports SCMP.
Johor man caught abusing stray dog apologises
Source: Facebook
Since then, the 19-year-old culprit has taken to social media to issue a public apology over the crime and admitted his fault
In the video, the man apologised for his behaviour and acknowledged his mistakes. He claims to have fully understood the severity of his wrongdoing, and was willing to compensate the cost of medical treatment for the dog from the injuries he left it with.
“I understand no matter how I explain, I should not have done that. I admit that it is my mistake.”
“I sincerely apologise for my wrongdoings, and I will use this time to reflect on my mistakes”, he said.
With that said, netizens were still no less critical, with many questioning his sincerity.
“You were intentionally trying to murder and abuse the dog. When the dog was whimpering for help, did you stop? You still lit the dog up on fire and only apolgised when the incident was revealed. Don’t think that a simple apology and you wanting to compensate for the medical treatment fee is enough. There will be consequences for your ill-intent doings.”
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
“If someone abused you the way you did to the dog, causing you extreme hurt and pain, then they apologised to you like what you did, expressing that they’ll compensate for your medical treatment fees, would you forgive them?”
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
To be charged today
Quoting Johor Bahru Northern region acting police chief OCPD Supt Fariz Ammar Abdullah, local newspaper Malay Mail has since reported that the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) had recorded the suspect’s statement. What’s more, the young man is expected to be charged today based upon findings from the DVS investigation.
“Earlier, the department’s investigating officer had completed taking down the suspect’s statement.”
“The decision was to charge the suspect,” he said.
The 19-year-old is expected to face a charge under Section 29 (1) (e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which is punishable by a fine of between RM25,000 and RM100,000 or imprisonment up to three years or both upon conviction.
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Also read: 19yo Johor man accused of repeatedly abusing stray dogs, including setting one on fire alive
