A military veteran, Aziz Tambi, 63, found himself facing legal repercussions in a recent court case for the tragic shooting and killing of his neighbor's cat using an air rifle. The incident, which took place a year ago, prompted allegations of animal cruelty and ultimately resulted in a substantial RM20,000 fine. The court stressed the significance of upholding animal rights and underscored the importance of utilizing appropriate avenues to address conflicts.

Details of the Case:

Aziz Tambi, a former soldier, found himself in the legal spotlight as he was accused of causing unnecessary suffering to a cat named Molly, owned by Amran Majid, 45. The offense took place at a residence in Batu 7, Lorong Mat Lajis, Bukit Rambai, on June 18th, 2022, at 2:30 PM. The amended charges specifically accused Aziz of shooting Molly with an air rifle, leading to the cat's untimely demise.

Legal Consequences and Charges:

Under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, Aziz Tambi was charged with animal cruelty. The law provides for penalties including a fine ranging from RM20,000 to RM100,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. After an examination at a veterinary clinic, it was confirmed that Molly suffered from wounds caused by a lead pellet and was beyond saving. Consequently, Amran Majid filed a police report at the Tanjung Minyak Police Station, suspecting Aziz of committing the act.

Court Proceedings:

Deputy Public Prosecutor Aliff Asraf Anuar Sharuddin presented a strong case, advocating for a fair and instructive punishment for Aziz. The prosecutor emphasized that severe consequences were necessary to serve as a deterrent not only to the accused but also to prevent others from perpetrating similar acts of cruelty against innocent animals. The court acknowledged that animals, including cats, are protected by the law, and individuals should refrain from taking matters into their own hands without seeking proper authorities' intervention.

Judge's Statement:

Judge Darmafikri Abu Adam, presiding over the case, reiterated the importance of adhering to the law and respecting the welfare of animals. In this instance, Aziz's decision to resort to shooting the cat as a means of resolving the issue was deemed inappropriate and unacceptable. The judge emphasized that the accused should have referred to the authorities for assistance rather than taking matters into his own hands.

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