NParks probes Tanjong Katong pet groomer after dog allegedly left unattended and died
The National Parks Board (NParks) is investigating an incident at a pet grooming facility along Tanjong Katong Road after a dog was allegedly left unattended and died on Oct 30.
NParks told Stomp it is "looking into a case involving a dog at a pet grooming facility" and "takes a serious view of the case, and will take stern enforcement action if the pet grooming facility is found to be negligent".
Ms Jessica Kwok, group director of enforcement and investigation at NParks, said: "The carcass has been received and a post-mortem examination is being carried out."
She added that under the Animals and Birds Act, people working with animals in relevant businesses, including the pet grooming sector, are expected to uphold higher standards of animal welfare, as they are entrusted with the care of animals by their clients.
Anyone found guilty of animal cruelty while operating or under the employment of an animal-related business will face up to two years' jail and/or fine of $40,000.
Dog's owner alleges pet 'cried for help' before dying
The case came to light after the dog's owner, Tanya Dhillon, shared a series of emotional Instagram posts alleging that her pet, Buddy, died after being left unattended in a grooming cage.
She claimed that CCTV footage showed her dog in visible distress for at least 11 minutes without staff intervention.
In the clips she reviewed, Buddy could be seen whining, struggling to get free, and repeatedly slamming against the cage before collapsing.
Ms Dhillon wrote that her pet "fought for his life" and described the experience as "every pet owner's worst nightmare".
The police told Stomp that the family has filed a report over the incident.
Salon 'heartbroken' at 'truly sad' incident
In response to Stomp's queries, the pet groomer Pawsome's management team said they were "heartbroken" over the "truly sad" incident
.
The team added that Buddy has been a regular at the grooming centre since he was a puppy four years ago.
The Pawsome team claimed: "On the day of the incident, Buddy came in for his usual grooming session. Before grooming began, he was placed in a playpen in our grooming area, something we do for all dogs to allow them comfort and freedom of movement while they wait instead of keeping them on a leash."
"When our groomer returned to begin his session, Buddy was found unresponsive. He was taken immediately to the vet, where he was sadly pronounced deceased."
Pawsome confirmed that it is cooperating with local authorities in investigations.
According to its website, Pawsome is a pet grooming business founded in 2018.
Pet welfare standards for groomers
NParks' Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) has a Code of Animal Welfare for the Pet Industry, which sets out minimum standards for animal housing, management and care that pet businesses, including groomers, are expected to meet.
While there are currently no licensing requirements for pet groomers, AVS encourages all operators to adopt these standards.
Non-compliance may be used as evidence to support enforcement actions under the Animals and Birds Act.
SPCA calls lack of licensing rules for trainers a 'critical gap'
Animal welfare organisation SPCA Singapore told Stomp: "Licensing legislation can help to ensure that activities are carried out safely, ethically, and in accordance with established standards."
It called the lack of licensing regulations and trainers a "critical gap" that can place animals in vulnerable situations, as their safety is "dependent on the practice of the individual handling the animal".
SPCA Singapore also noted that while reasons for such incidents may vary, "longer disqualification periods" for pet groomers and trainers may lead to "meaningful reflection, rehabilitation, treatment and reskilling".
The organisation added that businesses can also improve operational practices to address any deficiencies, which helps ensure better adherence to animal welfare standards.
Stomp has reached out to Ms Dhillon and AVS for comment.
