'Good boy' to be caned lightly in court for setting dog on fire

Branden Yap had hit a dog with a stick and then used a lighter to set it on fire but his counsel argued that the canine had often attacked him when he cycled in that location.

Johor Bahru Sessions Court judge Che Wan Zaidi Che Wan Ibrahim ordered that the 18-year-old, who pleaded guilty, be caned lightly seven times in open court as part of his punishment.

Before delivering his judgment, the judge ruled that the video clip showing Yap abusing the dog and setting it on fire to be played in court.

“Your action is cruel and inhumane towards an animal that also has the right to live in peace.

“You will be caned lightly seven times and be placed on a good behaviour bond for one year with a surety of RM10,000 as a result of your action,” the judge said, according to Star Online.

Yap’s caning is scheduled to take place at 9am on May 21.

Earlier, the teenager’s lawyer GK Sritharan argued that his client was a “good boy” who had been attacked more than five times by the dog.

Acknowledging that the dog had been a victim, the lawyer, however, said his client was also a victim of the dog.

“He is a good boy and often cycles in that location, where he is often attacked by the dog.

“Yap once suffered a fractured finger after falling off a bicycle as a result of being chased by the dog before. Until now, his hand is still not strong and he cannot do heavy work,” he said.

Acted in self-defence

In the March 27 incident, Sritharan said his client had acted in self-defence, pelting the dog with flower pots, stones and hitting the dog with a stick before setting it on fire.

Johor Veterinary Services Department prosecution officer Mohd Zamri Shak Ishak said the dog also suffered injuries.

On April 13, Yap pleaded guilty to the charge of causing excruciating pain to a brown female dog by beating it and setting it on fire.

Under Section 293 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the court might opt for an alternate punishment when a youthful offender is convicted.

The law also empowers the court to order that a male offender be whipped with not more than seven strokes of a light cane within the court premises and in the presence of a parent or guardian.

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