Abudul Rashid Mohd Othman

Saturday October 29, 2005

Cat Breeder Charged with neglecting cats

BY M. MAGESWARI Thestaronline.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Three Persian cats stole the limelight at a magistrate’s court here as their owner faced a charge of neglecting the felines and causing them misery.



ACCUSED: Abdul Rashid being asked to confirm if the cats brought to the court premises were his Friday. Cat breeder Abdul Rashid Mohd Othman, 50, was accused of failing to give proper treatment to the cats, resulting in them suffering skin disease and conjunctivitis.

A fourth cat, which had similar symptoms, died on Oct 4.

The two-month-old cats, kept in separate cages, were brought to the court in a Veterinary Services Department pick-up.

At the onset of court proceedings yesterday, Abdul Rashid admitted to the charge, statement of facts and a medical report of the cats.

But when the prosecution tendered eight photographs of the cats to the court, he pleaded innocence.

“The cats were not in that condition when they were taken away from me,” Abdul Rashid told the court.

Abdul Rashid is charged with committing the offense in his house in Sri Petaling here on Sept 21.

If convicted, he can be fined a maximum RM200 or jailed up to six months or both for each charge under Section 44(1)(d) of the Animal Ordinance 1953.

Magistrate Azniza Mohd Ali set Nov 23 for trial.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals animal inspector Sabrina Yeap said this was the first time a person was being prosecuted in relation to cruelty to cats.