Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Animal Welfare Alicia Bugeja Said has spoken out following the arraignment of a 50-year-old man over the alleged sexual abuse of a dog in Gudja, saying she was “shocked and angry” by the case.“I am shocked and angry at the alleged serious abuse of a female dog, in connection with which an individual has been arraigned in court,” Bugeja Said wrote in a social media post.Her comments came after Asghar Ali Jasar, a Pakistani national residing in Gudja, was charged in connection with an incident in a field on Tuesday evening.According to Times of Malta, police received a report at around 8.25pm on 15th September and went to the field, where officers allegedly found the accused committing a sexual act involving the dog.The 50-year-old pleaded not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and trespassing on private property.Police told the court that the accused allegedly attempted to flee after noticing officers but was apprehended and arrested at the scene.Investigators also obtained CCTV footage which allegedly showed the man approaching and grabbing the dog, which could later be heard whimpering. Police said footage from 28th August appeared to show the same man carrying out a similar sexual act.Bugeja Said confirmed that the Animal Welfare Directorate became involved in the case immediately, with its veterinarians assessing the dog’s health and condition.“There is no place in our country for any form of cruelty or abuse towards animals,” she said.While stressing that she would not comment on the merits of a case currently before the courts, the Parliamentary Secretary said her wider message on animal abuse was clear.“Anyone who abuses animals should face justice and all the consequences provided for by law,” she said.“Animals deserve protection, respect and dignity.”During the arraignment, the accused reportedly told police that he had an alcohol problem and confirmed he was the person depicted when shown the footage.His lawyers requested bail, but the prosecution objected, citing the seriousness of the allegations, his lack of ties to Malta and the fact that two witnesses had yet to testify.Magistrate Tanya Sammut denied the request and remanded the accused in custody.•