NParks investigating case of unmuzzled big dog allegedly attacking child, other pets at PetExpo Fiesta
A two-year-old mini goldendoodle, Rory, was allegedly injured by a larger mastiff during the PetExpo Fiesta at Singapore Expo earlier this month.
Rory's owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told Stomp the incident happened on Nov 14 at about 2pm.
She was making payment at a booth when she heard a commotion and saw "a black powerful dog" charge out from inside. The Cane Corso, which she said was not muzzled, allegedly broke free of its leash and lunged at Rory.
Stomper H later alerted Stomp to the altercation, along with several other alleged scares involving the same dog over the three-day event.
Her helper managed to lift the dog away, but Rory still suffered a bite on his left ear. She shared a photo of the wound with Stomp.
"My pet dog was traumatised from the bite," she said, adding that the handler "was not apologetic" and blamed Rory for staring at his dog.
She later learnt that Cane Corsos are a scheduled breed that must be leashed and muzzled in public. She also shared photographs of the Cane Corso that were sent to her by various pet owners, including one that showed the dog with a leash, but without a muzzle.
The National Parks Board (NParks) classifies Cane Corsos a specified dog breed under Part 2 of the First Schedule of the Animal and Birds (Licensing and Control of Cats and Dogs) Rules 2024. Such dogs are required to be "leashed and securely fitted with a muzzle that is sufficient to prevent them from biting any individual when in a public place".
Dogs under this category and their owners must also undergo basic obedience training by an Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)-Accredited Certified Dog Trainer.
Additionally, dogs assessed by AVS to exhibit dangerous or aggressive behaviour must undergo behaviour modification training or any other training as directed by NParks to address the underlying cause of the dog's behaviour.
'Traumatised cat' taken to the vet
Through the dog community, Rory's owner learnt that more scares allegedly occurred involving the same dog over the three-day event.
Members of the pet community also claimed the same dog was seen unmuzzled, off-leash and charging at other dogs outside the hall.
Rory's owner also alleged that the same Cane Corso had pounced on a nine-year-old child who was carrying a 12-year-old cat on Nov 16. The child reportedly suffered abrasions, while the cat was left shaken.
In a Facebook group for community cats, a friend of the feline's owner, said: "The (Cane Corso) just pounced as the owner was not responsible. (The cat) hasn't been able to sleep well. My human godson had abrasions."
The cat's owner claimed she had removed the cat from her pram for only "two to three minutes" to change a soiled pee pad when the incident happened.
She said The Bestiary booth owners reacted quickly and held the Cane Corso back before serious injuries occurred. They also confronted the dog owner when he attempted to walk away. PetExpo organisers stepped in shortly after.
In an Instagram Story, The Bestiary Pet Care said the cat went into shock and had to be taken to the nearest vet as none were present on the final day of the fair.
According to Rory's owner, another dog owner had reached out to her, sharing that her Samoyed had been attacked by the same Cane Corso in a separate incident in February this year.
"There are no bad dogs, only bad owners," said Rory's owner.
This is not the first time pet dog attacks have been reported in Singapore.
In 2023, AVS previously fined the owner of an Alaskan Malamute after it mauled a tiny Maltipoo. In a separate case in 2021, a Bichon Frise was said to have attacked a German Shepherd and its owner on more than one occasion.
NParks investigations underway
Rory's owner said she has reported the incident to NParks and hopes the authorities investigate "so that a more serious incident does not occur".
When Stomp asked if the PetExpo team had followed up with her, Rory's owner said "No for me. Not sure about the other pet owner."
She also shared that Rory's injury has healed after a week. After keeping Rory busy with playdates and other events over a week, she reported that he has "bounced back to normal."
In response to Stomp's queries, NParks said it is aware of the allegations.
"We take all reports of dog bite incidents seriously. Investigations are ongoing and we have reached out to the affected parties," said Jessica Kwok, Group Director, Enforcement & Investigation at NParks.
She added: "Under Rule 22 of the Animals and Birds (Licensing and Control of Cats and Dogs) Rules 2024, a dog has to be leashed and kept under proper control of the individual in charge when in public places. This is to ensure a safe environment for members of the public, their pet animals, and one's own pet when in public places."
"The owner of any dog that is found to be at large; or who failed to ensure that a dog in a public place is on a leash and under the control of the person-in-charge of the dog at the time, may be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000."
Stomp has contacted the cat owner, PetExpo, The Bestiary and booth operator for more info.
