Surge in dog abuse cases in Singapore during 2023: 69 reported incidents last year compared to 35 in 2022, with 9 cases linked to trainers

Between 2019 and 2023, a total of 202 dog abuse cases were reported, according to the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

SINGAPORE— The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) saw a spike in dog abuse cases in 2023, with 69 reported incidents compared to 35 the year before, The Straits Times reported on Tuesday (16 January).

Over the span of five years from 2019 to 2023, there were a total of 202 reported dog abuse cases, with the figures for 2023 alone making up one-third of this cumulative total.

The Straits Times reported specific case numbers for each year: 48 cases in 2019, 20 cases in 2020, 30 cases in 2021, and 35 cases in 2022. Nine of the cases in 2023 involved dog trainers.

Choose humane trainers and collaborative training methods: SPCA

SPCA executive director Aarthi Sankar emphasised the importance of pet owners engaging trainers who employ humane training methods and avoiding using physical force on animals.

Aarthi’s remarks came after an Instagram video posted on Monday (15 January) showed employees at the dog training firm Xavian and Pack allegedly pushing and hitting dogs.

According to The Straits Times, she cautioned against hiring dog trainers who utilise tools such as shock, choke, or prong collars, urging prospective pet owners to thoroughly research trainers and review customer feedback before enlisting their services.

Furthermore, the SPCA advised against engaging trainers who exclude pet guardians from the training process. Aarthi stressed that training is a collaborative effort, encouraging pet owners to actively participate in the process to strengthen the bond with their pets and acquire the necessary skills and mindset for effective guidance.

AVS investigating recent case of alleged dog abuse

In response to the video circulating on social media, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) assured the public that it takes all feedback on animal cruelty seriously.

Joshua Teoh, the director of the AVS, told Yahoo Southeast Asia on Wednesday, (17 January) that it was looking into the matter. First-time offenders caught abusing an animal may face charges under the Animals and Birds Act, with potential fines of up to $15,000, imprisonment for up to 18 months, or both.

“Safeguarding animal welfare is a shared social responsibility,” he added, and urged members of the public to play a part by reporting suspected cases of animal cruelty. Members of the public can report cases to AVS promptly through their website at www.avs.gov.sg/feedback or by calling the Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.

Teoh said, “As with all investigations, all forms of evidence are critical to the process, and photographic and/or video-graphic evidence provided by the public will help. Information shared with AVS will be kept strictly confidential.”

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