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SINGAPORE: The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has issued a stern warning to the owners of dog which was featured in an online video being disciplined.
The online video showing a woman beating her dog with a broom-like object had outraged animal lovers.
AVA said as part of its investigations into the incident, its officers visited the house.
Its veterinarian examined the dog and the tool used to discipline the dog. The tool was a bunch of soft cane bundled together to form a brush which is normally used for back massage.
AVA also examined the dog and found it to be healthy and in good condition. It was also relating positively to the owners.
The authority said it was satisfied that the owners had no ill-intention to hurt their pet dog whilst attempting to discipline it.
This it said was different from cruelty, which is a deliberate intent to inflict harm and severe pain on an animal.
AVA also noted that the owners also voluntarily submitted themselves to the investigations.
However, animal rights activists are upset with the decision.
SPCA said that issuing only a stern warning "may send out the wrong message that such ill-treatment and terrorising an animal is acceptable".
It will appeal to the AVA to review its decision.
Executive officer of the SPCA, Deirdre Moss, said: "SPCA believes that a stern warning may not be a sufficient deterrent. Is terrifying a dog in such a manner not a cruel act? Does injury have to be inflicted before a person is prosecuted for animal cruelty?
"The SPCA had recommended a fine to be imposed and for a mandatory obedience course to be undertaken."
Meanwhile, the Animal Lovers League said it will ask AVA to remove the dog from the owners.
President of the Animal Lovers League, Cathy Strong, said: "The dog should be taken away from the owners. The point is that the dog was in fear and that is cruelty and that is abuse. It doesn't matter what instrument you use. We will talk to AVA and ask them to remove the dog from the owners."
AVA said it appreciates the public's show of support for animal welfare and would like to assure the public that it will not hesitate to take action against anyone found guilty of animal cruelty.
If convicted of animal cruelty, an offender can be fined up to S$10,000 and/or be imprisoned for up to 12 months.
- CNA/jm/al
The online video showing a woman beating her dog with a broom-like object had outraged animal lovers.
AVA said as part of its investigations into the incident, its officers visited the house.
Its veterinarian examined the dog and the tool used to discipline the dog. The tool was a bunch of soft cane bundled together to form a brush which is normally used for back massage.
AVA also examined the dog and found it to be healthy and in good condition. It was also relating positively to the owners.
The authority said it was satisfied that the owners had no ill-intention to hurt their pet dog whilst attempting to discipline it.
This it said was different from cruelty, which is a deliberate intent to inflict harm and severe pain on an animal.
AVA also noted that the owners also voluntarily submitted themselves to the investigations.
However, animal rights activists are upset with the decision.
SPCA said that issuing only a stern warning "may send out the wrong message that such ill-treatment and terrorising an animal is acceptable".
It will appeal to the AVA to review its decision.
Executive officer of the SPCA, Deirdre Moss, said: "SPCA believes that a stern warning may not be a sufficient deterrent. Is terrifying a dog in such a manner not a cruel act? Does injury have to be inflicted before a person is prosecuted for animal cruelty?
"The SPCA had recommended a fine to be imposed and for a mandatory obedience course to be undertaken."
Meanwhile, the Animal Lovers League said it will ask AVA to remove the dog from the owners.
President of the Animal Lovers League, Cathy Strong, said: "The dog should be taken away from the owners. The point is that the dog was in fear and that is cruelty and that is abuse. It doesn't matter what instrument you use. We will talk to AVA and ask them to remove the dog from the owners."
AVA said it appreciates the public's show of support for animal welfare and would like to assure the public that it will not hesitate to take action against anyone found guilty of animal cruelty.
If convicted of animal cruelty, an offender can be fined up to S$10,000 and/or be imprisoned for up to 12 months.
- CNA/jm/al
