Subang jaya: A part-time surveyor pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here today to charges of abandoning 36 cats, causing them to starve, and leading to the deaths of 41 cats in March. Lee Reo Jin, 49, entered the plea after both charges were read out before Judge Noor Ruzilawati Mohd Nor.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lee was charged for abandoning 36 live cats in conditions likely to cause them pain due to starvation at an apartment unit in Subang Jaya. The charge was framed under Subsection 29(1)(p) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772), which is punishable under Subsection 29(1) of the same Act. Conviction could result in a fine ranging from RM20,000 to RM100,000, or imprisonment of up to three years, or both.

For the second charge, Lee, as the owner of the cats, was accused of causing the deaths of 41 cats at the same location and time. This charge, brought under Subsection 29(1)(r) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772), carries similar penalties.

The prosecuting officer from the Selangor Veterinary Services Department, Mohd Sharif Sabran, proposed a bail of RM20,000 for both charges with one surety and requested that the accused's passport be surrendered to the court as an additional condition. However, Lee, who appeared in court without legal representation, appealed for a lower bail due to her lack of fixed income.

The court granted bail at RM10,000 for both charges with one surety and upheld the additional condition concerning the passport. Judge Noor Ruzilawati set August 7 as the date for the case mention, during which the appointment of counsel is expected.

Earlier reports indicated that a team from the Selangor Veterinary Services Department conducted a raid on an apartment unit in Subang Jaya on March 13, following complaints of a foul odour emanating from the unit. The raid uncovered 41 cat carcasses wrapped and stored in a freezer, with some found scattered in the living room and cages. Additionally, 36 cats were found alive in cages, in an emaciated and weakened condition.