Plastic bag wrapped around dog’s legs in Woodlands sparks allegation of animal abuse

SINGAPORE: In a Woodlands HDB void deck, a concerned individual made a startling discovery: a pet dog with a plastic bag tightly secured around its hind legs.

The scene unfolded as a domestic helper, seated on a knee-high ledge, focused on her mobile phone, held the dog on a leash that was too short to allow it to lower its head, exacerbated by the restricting plastic bag.

Allegations of animal abuse quickly arose, with the man accusing the helper of cruelty towards the dog.

However, the domestic helper defended herself by claiming that her employer had instructed her to place the plastic bag on the dog.

The incident, captured on video by a TikTok user with the handle “wanfly” on Monday (4 Sep), depicts a helper and her employer’s dog in the Woodlands HDB void deck.

https://www.tiktok.com/@wanfly_1105/video/7274577527392177409

The plastic bag, bound around the dog’s waist, prevented it from sitting comfortably. Oblivious to the dog’s discomfort, the helper remained engrossed in her phone, using her feet to manage the leash, thereby limiting the dog’s mobility and leaving it standing awkwardly.

The original poster (OP) expressed his concerns, citing the inability of the dog to sit comfortably due to the plastic bag.

In response to the OP’s inquiry, the helper reportedly removed the plastic bag and questioned the reason for being recorded. Subsequently, she resumed walking the dog, asserting that her employer had instructed her to tie the bag to the dog.

The motive behind this unusual directive remains unclear.

Opinions among netizens diverged significantly

The video, which has garnered more than 260 thousand views, captured the interest of netizens.

While many expressed distress at what they perceived as dog abuse, some suggested that the helper might have been waiting for the dog to relieve itself into the bag before removing it.

Meanwhile, a segment of commenters criticized the OP for intervening in what they deemed a private matter involving domestic helpers.

However, some individuals who identified themselves as domestic helpers chimed in, affirming that they treated their employers’ dogs with utmost care and respect.

Nonetheless, irrespective of the plastic bag’s purpose, it remains unacceptable to hold a dog on such a tight leash, potentially causing discomfort and distress.

This incident raises important questions about the treatment of animals under the care of domestic helpers. Whether or not there was a valid reason for the plastic bag, the welfare of the dog should be the top priority.