Malaysian woman denies charges over neglect of 41 cats as several allegedly starved to death
A 49-year-old freelance worker has pleaded not guilty to two animal cruelty charges after allegedly neglecting 41 cats in a Subang Jaya apartment, leaving several to die from starvation. She faces up to three years' imprisonment, a fine of RM100,000, or both if convicted.
- A 49-year-old woman denied two animal cruelty charges involving 41 neglected cats.
- She faces up to three years' imprisonment and a RM100,000 fine if convicted.
- The case comes amid persistent concerns over animal neglect across Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: A Malaysian woman has pleaded not guilty to two charges of animal cruelty after allegedly neglecting 41 cats at an apartment in Subang Jaya, where several of the animals were said to have died from starvation.
According to local media, Lee Reo Jin, 49, a freelance worker, entered her plea before Sessions Court Judge Noor Ruzilawati Mohd Noor at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court on 26 June 2026.
Prosecutors alleged that Lee failed to provide adequate care and sufficient food for the cats kept at an apartment in USJ14, Subang Jaya, during March, resulting in several of the animals starving to death.
The charges were filed under Sections 29(1)(p) and 29(1)(r) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which criminalise acts of neglect and cruelty towards animals.
If convicted, Lee faces a fine of between RM20,000 and RM100,000 (approximately US$4,900 to US$24,400), imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
Judge Noor Ruzilawati granted bail at RM10,000 with one surety and ordered Lee to surrender her passport pending the disposal of the case.
The court fixed 7 August 2026 for case management to allow Lee to appoint legal representation.
Sharif Sabran of the Department of Veterinary Services appeared for the prosecution.
Growing animal welfare concerns
The case comes as Malaysia continues to grapple with animal neglect and cruelty.
According to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), nearly 20,000 animal welfare complaints were recorded nationwide in 2025.
Neglect accounted for around 80 per cent of substantiated welfare cases, including animals left without food, abandoned, or kept in unsanitary conditions.
The prosecution alleged that Lee "failed to provide adequate care" for the cats, leaving them without sufficient food until several allegedly died from starvation. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Lee has denied the charges.
