'Disgustingly inappropriate behaviour': Dog training firm suspends staff who pushed, hit animals

SINGAPORE: Two staff members from dog training firm Xavian and Pack were suspended on Monday (Jan 15) after they were seen pushing and hitting two dogs on the same day.

In videos posted on Instagram by user monkey_bear2, the two trainers are seen hitting a black Shiba Inu and repeatedly pushing another dog down to get it to sit during a photo-taking session.

The company's founder Xavian Mar said in a statement on Instagram that he was aware that the videos circulating "displayed disgustingly inappropriate behaviour" towards the dogs. 

He also clarified that he was not present in the video and that the two staff members in the video were suspended with immediate effect.

"This is definitely not what Xavian and Pack stands for and will not condone any of such behaviours. As a dog parent myself, I would definitely not want my dogs to be treated that way." 

He added that the company will be scrutinising all aspects of its services to avoid such events from happening. 

When contacted by CNA, user monkey_bear2 said the incident happened on Monday morning at Telok Blangah Rise near Blocks 39, 40 and 41. 

In one of the videos, one of the handlers is seen pushing a dog down with one hand to get it to sit. The man repeats the same action with two hands when it stands up again.

Another video shows the other dog handler dragging a black Shiba Inu to place it next to another dog. The man then hits the animal on its flank and head as it cowers from him. 

"This was just witnessed this morning, we are not affiliated with any company or business, just witnessing the treatment by @xavian_and_pack on the poor furkids for a photo-op made us furious!" the video caption read.

In response to CNA's queries, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) said on Tuesday it was aware of the video and is looking into the matter.

"AVS does not condone mistreatment of pets and 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," it said.

AVS, which is a cluster of the National Parks Board (NParks), urged members of the public to report any suspected cases of animal cruelty.

Responding to CNA's queries, animal welfare group Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said on Tuesday morning that it was alerted to the video showing the trainers mishandling the animals. 

"Just like us, animals experience pain and distress. We appeal to pet owners to only use humane, science-based and force-free training methods. Positive reinforcement helps nurture a loving, enriching relationship with our pets," said SPCA. 

The animal welfare group reminded pet owners and trainers to refrain from using violence or intimidation. 

"Hitting, hurting, or threatening animals can cause increased fear and anxiety, that could result in long-term health and behavioural issues." 

SPCA also asked those who had negative experiences with the training provider in the video to contact them so that they can investigate the matter.