NParks probing incident at Tanjong Katong pet groomer; dog died after allegedly being left unattended

SINGAPORE: The National Parks Board (NParks) is investigating an incident involving a pet groomer along Tanjong Katong Road, following the death of a dog that was allegedly left unattended on Thursday (Oct 30).

In response to CNA's queries on Sunday, NParks' group director of enforcement & investigation Jessica Kwok said that the agency is "looking into a case involving a dog at a pet grooming facility".

"NParks takes a serious view of the case, and will take stern enforcement action if the pet grooming facility is found to be negligent."

Police also told CNA that a report had been lodged.

The dog's owner, Tanya Dhillon, shared closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage on social media on Saturday showing an unattended dog in apparent distress while caged at Pawsome Singapore, a pet retail and grooming facility at 320 Tanjong Katong Road, on Thursday. 

She also posted pictures of her deceased pet and vowed to "obtain the best outcome for Buddy and for every other dog that can be protected".

OWNER SEEKING ANSWERS

Ms Dhillon, 27, told CNA on Sunday that she had arranged for her dog, a standard poodle named Buddy, to be sent to Pawsome for a routine grooming session that day. She claimed that Buddy, aged three, was left unsupervised in a cage while waiting for its appointment.

In the 12-minute long CCTV footage viewed by CNA, Buddy appeared to have had its front paws stuck in between the cage's metal grills. The poodle was seen wriggling, panting and crying several times throughout, while it could also be heard barking non-stop. 

Around eight minutes in, Buddy stopped standing and pushed against the cage with one leg. 

The CCTV footage, recorded between 9.50am and 10.02am, showed no staff members present during that period.

Ms Dhillon, a trainee lawyer, said that Pawsome informed her family members that Buddy was discovered by a groomer at 10.33am and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed. 

She added that the salon did not share the full CCTV footage of the incident.

"My first few questions to them were, when did Buddy arrive?" said Ms Dhillon.

"How long was he in the cage for? Was there anyone who supervised him at the point that he was in the cage and for what duration he was left alone?"

She noted that Pawsome had sent Buddy's body to a veterinarian, where he was pronounced dead.

"When I lifted his ears, I realised that there were blood splatters (in its ears)," Ms Dhillon said.

"It didn't seem natural at all ... Why would there be blood splatters in your ears if you were fine?" 

Ms Dhillon's family has sent the dog's body to the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster under NParks, for an autopsy, but the cause of death has not yet been determined.

Pawsome on Saturday issued a statement via Instagram Stories, saying that it was "heartbroken" over what happened to Buddy.

It added that every dog under its care "is treated with love, respect, and attention - just as we would our own", before asking for "kindness and understanding" and stressed it would continue to provide a "safe, caring, and professional environment for all dogs entrusted to us".

In its reply to CNA's queries, Pawsome said Buddy had been a regular for four years and was there for its 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," the company said in a statement. 

"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 said it shared the CCTV footage of the incident with Buddy's owners "in the spirit of transparency".

"It was meant to help them understand what happened, and it pains us that it has since been circulated on social media. Our only intention was to be open and honest during such a difficult time."

Pawsome added that it is cooperating fully with the authorities as they look into the matter and that its entire team has been deeply affected by the death. 

"Our goal has always been to provide a safe, caring, and comfortable environment for all dogs. The open and transparent spaces we’ve built are designed to help dogs feel calm and at ease while they are here. We have been in this industry for many years and have always strived to set a positive standard for pet care.

"We hope people can find it in their hearts to show compassion and understanding during this difficult time. This is something we would never wish upon any pet or family, and we share in the sadness of everyone who knew Buddy."

EXPECTED TO UPHOLD HIGHER STANDARDS

Under the Animals and Birds Act, those working with animals in relevant businesses, including those in the pet grooming sector, are expected to uphold higher standards of animal welfare as they are entrusted with the care of the animals by their clients, said Ms Kwok.

AVS has a Code of Animal Welfare (for the Pet Industry), which lists the minimum standards for pet businesses, including pet groomers. 

This refers to the standards of animal housing, management and care that are deemed to be necessary to meet the basic needs of the animal. 

There is also a range of "best practices" in the code that pet grooming businesses should employ, including not leaving animals that are sent for grooming, bathing, or drying unattended on grooming tables, rooms or in shower baths.

"All owners in the pet industry are encouraged to adopt these standards. Any non-compliance to the code may be used as evidence to support enforcement actions," Ms Kwok added.

Pet owners and businesses in Singapore that CNA spoke to in August last year called for higher standards and accountability, following a slew of reported incidents of animals suffering at the hands of service providers.

In January, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) also noted that the number of cases involving animal cruelty and welfare in Singapore had risen to a 12-year high in 2024.

There were 961 confirmed cases, up from 915 in 2023.

Those 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 S$40,000 (US$30,730).