KAMPAR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Two Malaysian senior citizens who dragged a chained dog along a road for 2.3km were jailed seven days and fined RM7,800 (S$2,634) each by a magistrate's court in Perak after they appealed against an earlier sentence.

Wong Then Yoong, 67, and Aw Soon Fatt, 66, had been charged with committing the offence at Jalan Batu Sinar, Bandar Baru Kampar in Perak on Nov 11, 2016 at about 11am.

The two were on a motorcycle when they intentionally dragged Wong's dog behind them.

On Nov 29, 2016, they were sentenced to one month's jail and fined RM200 by the magistrate's court after pleading guilty to the offence under Section 44(1) of the Animals Act 1953.

However, the two appealed against their jail term, and on Aug 4, 2017 the High Court ordered for them to be charged again for the offence as the conviction and sentence was not in accordance with amendments to the Act.

The amended law provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 or one year in jail, or both, enhanced from a maximum fine of RM200 or six months in jail, or both.

Both remained calm during sentencing.

Deputy public prosecutor Kenneth Onn had requested for a deterrent sentence.

"The dog was in pain and suffering when the accused carried out the act. A heavy sentence should be imposed, and this should be a warning to the community to ensure such an offence is not repeated," he added.

Their accused's lawyer Syahredzan Johan said his clients were senior citizens, had no income and depended on their children.

He said both his clients were remorseful and promised not to repeat the offence again.