MBPJ dogcatcher tells court he followed SOP, denies assault in trial over stray dog tussle

The Star

14-05-2025

Photo: Yap Chee Hong/The Star
PETALING JAYA: A Petaling Jaya City Council officer told the Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (May 14) that he strictly followed the standard operating procedures during a stray dog-catching operation that led to a scuffle with a senior citizen in 2023.
Public health assistant Azizul Azzim Norehan, the complainant and witness in the case, testified against 71-year-old Patrick Khoo Kian Wui ( pic ), accused of obstructing him during the March 2023 operation.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Lim Leong Hui referred Azizul to his witness statement, asking him to explain what he meant by the accused attempting to block the operation.
"He (Khoo) held onto the rod I was using to catch the dog, so I could not proceed with the operation," said Azizul, referring to the dog-catching iron rod known as a "loop pole."
When asked whether the operation had been conducted according to established guidelines, Azizul affirmed that the team adhered to the SOP, which mandates the use of the loop method for capturing stray dogs.
"Yes, I used the SOP for dog-catching operations, which is the loop method," he said.
Azizul also testified that Khoo claimed ownership of some of the dogs, saying they were his and that he fed them regularly, although they were found wandering outside his premises.
During the proceeding, the prosecution played three CCTV recordings showing the altercation between the two.
Azizul confirmed that the two men in the video recordings were him and Khoo.
The incident occurred around 9pm at No. 7, Jalan 18/17, Taman Kanagapuram in Petaling Jaya.
According to MBPJ, the operation was prompted by complaints from residents about stray dogs in the area. Azizul said none of the dogs had collars or licence tags.
He also confirmed that all MBPJ enforcement personnel involved wore official green vests marked with the MBPJ logo and the Health Services Department insignia.
Khoo's altercation with the officers went viral after a Facebook user uploaded videos and photos alleging he was roughed up by the dogcatchers.
Khoo later claimed he sustained injuries to his jaw, cheeks, and wrist during the incident.
He lodged a police report on March 24, 2023, accusing MBPJ of assault and expressing concern for the welfare of two adult dogs and a puppy allegedly seized that night.
In response, MBPJ also filed a police report and pledged there would be no cover-up, stating that an internal investigation had been launched.
Khoo was charged on March 31, 2023, with obstructing a public servant under Section 186 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both. He has pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.
Two months after the incident, Khoo suffered a minor stroke and now resides in a nursing home.
He appeared in court on Wednesday (May 14) in a wheelchair and was not able to speak clearly.
His counsel, Tay Chee Fu, informed the court that the defence was prepared to present its case and expected to call four witnesses.
Magistrate Shahril Anuar Ahmad Mustapa set the next trial dates for June 13 and 20, with proceedings scheduled from 10am to 4.30pm.