Video of alleged dog abuse prompts AVA, SPCA investigation
Local authorities are investigating an alleged case of animal abuse, following a video that made its rounds on social media on Sunday (17 December).
In response to queries from Yahoo News Singapore, both the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the SPCA described the dog, a Malamute, as being advanced in age and having limited mobility due to medical reasons. They have also verified that it is receiving ongoing veterinary care for its health problems.
A 23-second video posted on Facebook by user Yeow Min Quan on Sunday showed a woman in a green T-shirt abusing a Malamute within the compound of a landed property. The woman, described as a domestic helper, can be seen shoving the dog’s head against the ground and hitting it with a metal feeding bowl.
Yeow wrote in his post that he had been hearing “moans and yelps” for almost a week coming from the “weak and frail” dog he had seen lying on the ground. He also noted the presence of a car parked in the unit for “a while”, which he said was an indication that the animal’s owners were out of town.
The AVA has urged members of the public who have information on this case to contact them at 1800-476-1600. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
“AVA will look into all public feedback on animal cruelty. We will take the necessary enforcement action against anyone who has committed an act of animal cruelty and will not hesitate to press for a deterrent sentence, if warranted,” the authority added.
First-time offenders convicted of animal cruelty face a maximum fine of $15,000 and/or 18 months’ imprisonment.
This story was updated at 3pm on Wednesday (20 December 2017) to reflect the SPCA’s response to Yahoo News Singapore’s queries.
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