A year ago, Hari Raya became a celebration that will change the lives of a large group of pet owners forever. “Petknode Online Pet Store” had advertised their boarding fees for as low as RM3.95 a night ahead of the annual Raya holidays. It was a promotional offer that appealed to many pet owners who were planning to leave town for an extended time.
But it was still some price to pay.
Imagine their collective horror when these owners returned after nine whole days only to find their cats left starving, dehydrated, cover in waste, and clearly traumatized by the boarding “experience” – or at least for the cats who were still alive. Yes, while some cats (up to 150) were rescued from the “hell hotel”, others didn’t make it.
Hence, the distraught pet owners and animal activists took the case right up to court. Police report after police report were filed against Petknode owners, Shahrul Azuwan Adanan and Yushairi Khairuddin and they have since been charged with 30 counts under Section 44 (1) of the Animals Act 1953, which provides for a maximum of six months’ jail, a RM200 fine, or both for each offence upon conviction.
Thirty.
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On the 12th July 2012 (Tuesday), the owners pleaded guilty to the maltreatment of the cats, after their earlier plea of not guilty. Not sure if their sense of remorse kicked in late or they just took a really, really long time to think about the damage they’ve done.
But because their plea was changed at last minute, the court decided to postpone the sentencing to the 28th of June (Thursday). Should they be let off easily? Or should they face maximum jail time? You can help the jury decide.
Show your support against the Petknode owners and against animal abuse at the open public hearing on the 28th of June (Thursday), 9am at Mahkamah Majistret Petaling Jaya.
For more information, visit the “Kucing Terbiar & Anjing Jalanan“‘s Facebook page.
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