AVS investigates case of dog abuse after video of incident at training centre K9 Connection

SINGAPORE: The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) said on Friday (Jul 15) that it is investigating a case of animal cruelty at dog training centre K9 Connection and has suspended the handler from a list of accredited dog trainers since Mar 25.

The incident happened on Mar 20, said AVS.

A two-minute video of the abuse made its rounds on social media earlier this week after it was posted on a Facebook page called Chained Dog Awareness in Singapore.

It shows a leashed-up dog in a green kennel.

A man is heard telling the dog "welcome to hell, my friend. Four weeks of hell". He continues shouting at the dog in Mandarin and expletives.

The man then approaches the dog with a metal hook and bowl before hitting it with a metal bowl while it struggles.

In a response to CNA's queries, AVS group director Jessica Kwok said that the dog is safe and back with its owner.

"We are aware of the video where a dog at K9 Connection was seen being abused on Mar 20, 2022. AVS has suspended the handler from the list of AVS accredited dog trainers since Mar 25, 2022," she added.

"The dog is safe and back with its owner and investigations are ongoing."

Ms Aarthi Sankar, executive director at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said that the organisation received several reports about the incident and is assisting with investigations.

"We are deeply disturbed by the actions portrayed in the video as they are both abusive towards animals and insensitive towards humans. Based on the audio, we are also concerned that the perpetrator may have treated other animals under his care in a similar manner," she said.

AVS said it does not condone the mistreatment of community animals.

First-time offenders caught abusing an animal may be charged under the Animals and Birds Act and could be fined up to S$15,000, jailed up to 18 months, or both.