Court hears accused claimed he acted out of fear after earlier encounter
A 64-year-old man in Perak has been fined RM2,000 after a stray dog died when he threw a firecracker at it, allegedly to scare it away.
Incident Along Jalan Seroja
The case occurred along Jalan Seroja in Pusing town, Perak, at about 7.30pm on Jan. 28. According to reports, Wong Phan Sang threw a firecracker at a dog near a restaurant in the area.
Residents later heard a loud explosion, and the dog reportedly died after biting the firecracker. CCTV footage obtained the following day showed Wong throwing an object towards the animal.
Prior Encounter With the Dog
Wong’s lawyer told the court that her client had previously been chased by the same dog on Jan. 26 while riding his motorcycle. He allegedly fell after the dog tried to bite him.
On Jan. 28, Wong encountered the dog again during a walk. He retrieved a firecracker and threw it on the ground, claiming he intended only to scare the animal away when it charged at him.
Arrest and Evidence Seized
Local authorities arrested Wong on Jan. 30 following investigations. He later surrendered a plastic container containing a lighter and six ball-type firecrackers.
The defence argued that Wong acted out of fear and noted he has been receiving treatment for anxiety since 2020.
Prosecution Calls for Deterrence
Deputy public prosecutor Monisha Pandey highlighted that animal abuse cases have been rising and urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence.
She added that Wong should have reported the matter to local authorities rather than using a firecracker, which could also endanger the public.
Court Outcome and Fine
The defence also claimed the dog appeared to be a pet, as it reportedly had a collar, though efforts to identify its owner were unsuccessful.
Wong was fined RM2,000 (about S$650), which he has since paid.
The case underscores growing concerns over animal cruelty and the risks posed by dangerous methods used to handle stray animals. Authorities continue to stress that such incidents should be reported to proper channels rather than addressed through harmful actions.
Sources: Mothership (2026) , Must Share News (2026)
Keywords: Wong Phan Sang, Pusing Perak Incident, Firecracker Dog Death, Animal Cruelty Fine, Malaysia Animal Law
