A corgi at Nim Gardens in Seletar has drawn animal welfare concerns after videos showed the dog, which appeared to have difficulty using its hind legs, allegedly being dragged along a grass patch by its leash.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) later made an urgent visit to the condominium on 25 August. Its inspectors found the dog alone on a grass patch under direct sunlight and panting.
SPCA said the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) and National Parks Board (NParks) had confirmed that investigations were under way. AVS is a cluster of NParks.
Videos Show Corgi Struggling to Move
Videos posted to the Singapore Dogs Community Facebook group showed a woman pulling the corgi by its leash while the dog’s hindquarters dragged across the ground.
Another clip showed the corgi sitting on a grass patch with its leash attached and trying to move using its front legs. It also appeared to be panting. The post said the incident happened at Nim Gardens.
According to Stomp, videos taken on 17 August at about 1pm showed the same apparent mobility problems. A private animal rescuer told the publication that residents had allegedly seen the corgi being brought outside at around 1pm and left in the sun for more than an hour at a time.
These remain allegations, and the circumstances surrounding the dog’s treatment are being investigated.
SPCA First Received a Report on 18 August
SPCA told Mothership and 8world that it first received a report about the dog on 18 August.
Inspectors attempted to visit the family’s home two days later, on 20 August, but nobody answered the door.
A Management Corporation Strata Title officer subsequently told SPCA that AVS and NParks had attended to the case. SPCA later checked with the authorities and was informed that investigations were ongoing. Its inspectors also obtained the case number for follow-up.
SPCA then received another report on 24 August alleging that the corgi had again been outside under the hot sun for about an hour.
Because of concerns over rising temperatures and the risk of heatstroke, inspectors made an urgent visit the following day.
Inspectors Carried Dog Into Sheltered Area
When SPCA inspectors arrived on 25 August, they found the corgi alone under direct sunlight and panting. A domestic helper was sitting nearby in the shade.
The inspectors spoke to the helper and advised her on animal welfare and how to handle a dog that may have difficulty walking on a leash because of weakness in its hind legs.
SPCA said dragging a dog with a leash could injure it and could also cause it to become fearful of walks.
The inspectors then carried the corgi to a sheltered area and advised that it be given water to cool down.
They also gathered information from an MCST officer and spoke to the dog’s owner over the phone later that day. SPCA said it has handed its findings to the authorities to assist with their investigations.
As at 30 August, no finding of animal cruelty has been announced.
