File photo for illustration purposes only. Photo: Pixabay

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By Dorcas Ting

KUCHING, Jan 26: A 29-year-old man was charged in the Magistrate’s Court here today in connection with an alleged animal cruelty incident involving a puppy earlier this month.

Macbeth Tubang Buda was charged under Section 428 of the Penal Code for committing mischief by maiming an animal.

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According to the charge, the accused allegedly ran over a female puppy twice using a Toyota Hilux at about 3.13pm on Jan 3, 2026, near WeDrink, 6th Mile, in the Kuching district.

The offence carries a punishment of imprisonment for up to three years, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

During today’s proceedings, counsels Lim Heng Choo and Roger Chin appeared on behalf of the non-governmental organisations Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) and SOS Association Kuching, who are observing and closely following the case.

The court fixed pre-trial case management (PTCM) for Feb 27, 2026, before Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa binti Radzali.

The case has attracted public attention, with animal welfare groups reiterating calls for stronger enforcement and accountability in cases involving cruelty to animals. — DayakDaily