A teen who made headlines last month for beating and setting a stray dog named ‘Mami’ on fire has been handed his fate by the Sessions Court in Johor Bahru today.
19-year-old Braden Yap Hong Sheng was sentenced to seven light strokes of the cane (sebutan ringan), a year of probation which requires a guarantor, and RM10,000 in bail for animal abuse.
Yap’s sentence doesn’t require him to serve time in jail and that he’s eligible to have the bail money returned to him if he displays good behavior during the probation period, reported Sin Chew Daily.
As for the caning, it will be carried out on May 21 at 9am, where the procedure is open to the public.
Beat and set stray dog on fire in March
According to CCTV footage which went viral on social media, Yap was caught beating a stray dog and setting its tail on fire on Mar 27 at Jalan Impian Emas 22, Taman Impian Emas, which shocked Malaysians deeply.
He was later charged and pleaded guilty to animal cruelty under Section 29(1)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, where it carries a fine of at least RM20,000 to RM100,000, an imprisonment of up to three years, or both, if convicted.
Before his guilty plea, Yap took to Facebook and posted a 45-second video where he apologised for his actions and begged for a second chance.
I understand no matter how I explain. I should not have done that. I admit that it was my mistake and I regret it.
“I’ll not make the same mistake again and will pay for the dog’s medical expenses as well,” he said.
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