Concerns surrounds viral TikTok video of elderly woman’s interaction with dog at Pek Kio Hawker Centre

SINGAPORE: A TikTok video, uploaded on Thursday (9 Nov) by the user ‘aventmetier,’ showcased a distressing scene at Pek Kio Hawker Centre in Farrer Park.

The footage – which has been removed – captured an elderly woman accompanied by her brown-furred dog.

The woman, holding a cane in her hand, was observed repeatedly using it as a means of threatening her pet.

Each time she raised the cane, the dog visibly flinched, anticipating a potential strike.

In addition to the verbal threats, the woman resorted to hitting the table with the cane, further alarming the dog.

Despite the distressing actions, the woman displayed a paradoxical demeanor, engaging in casual conversations and laughter with other patrons.

At one point, she even directed a whip of the cane towards the dog, prompting a sudden movement from the pet.

The disconcerting video raised concerns for the original poster (OP), who expressed their unease in the caption.

The OP conveyed that witnessing this scene felt profoundly unsettling and stressful.

The TikTok video, amassing over 100 thousand views, has captured the attention of netizens, prompting widespread concern.

Numerous individuals tagged the SPCA in their comments, expressing hope for the intervention and rescue of the adorable dog featured in the footage.

The video has also been shared on the “Singapore Incidents” Facebook and Instagram pages, amplifying its reach and the public’s awareness of the incident.

In response to media queries, AVS’ group director Jessica Kwok said that the authorities have been alerted to the video posted on TikTok and are looking into the matter.

In AVS’ statement, Ms Kwok said that the agency takes all feedback from the public on animal cruelty seriously and that safeguarding animal welfare is a shared social responsibility.

She added that members of the public can play a part by promptly reporting suspected cases of animal cruelty or injuries to AVS through its website or Animal Response Centre hotline at 1800-476-1600.

“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,” she said.

SPCA: Individual in video is a repeat offender

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) took note of the incident, revealing that the woman in question was a repeat offender.

The SPCA issued an official statement on Friday (10 Nov) via their Facebook page, addressing a troubling TikTok video circulating online.

The video exposed an elderly woman displaying threatening behavior towards her dog, involving the use of a cane.

This individual had been previously identified by the SPCA in relation to similar animal welfare concerns.

Taking action, on 4 May 2023, SPCA staff and volunteers from the Moulmein-Cairnhill Constituency Office visited the woman’s residence.

During the visit, guidance and counseling were provided to ensure the well-being and proper care of her pets.

A stern warning was issued, emphasizing that failure to comply with the advice would result in further action.

Unfortunately, it appears that the woman has not adhered to the recommended guidelines, leading to the decision to escalate the matter to the authorities.

The SPCA, in their statement, underscored the importance of recognizing that animals, like humans, can experience pain and distress.

The organization firmly advocates for the use of humane and force-free training methods.

By rewarding positive behavior, behavioral challenges can be addressed, fostering a positive and enriching relationship between pets and their owners.

The SPCA strongly discouraged the use of physical punishment or threats to modify pet behavior, as such methods may contribute to heightened fear and anxiety in animals.

The organization urged pet owners to adopt compassionate approaches to training.

In closing, the SPCA emphasized the need for the community to report any suspected cases of animal abuse, cruelty, or neglect.

They provided contact information, including their emergency hotline at 6287 5355 (ext. 9), a reporting platform at www.spca.org.sg/report, and an email address at [email protected].

Encouraging vigilance and prompt reporting, the SPCA remains committed to ensuring the welfare of animals in Singapore.

Harsh criticism against pet owner

In the comments section, a wave of disapproval towards the elderly woman’s behaviour emerged among netizens.

Some expressed frustration, questioning why the elderly woman would keep a dog if she couldn’t properly care for it, noting the evident stress on both the woman and the dog.

Concerns escalated as netizens contemplated the potential harm the dog might face at home, given the woman’s behavior in a public setting. Calls for reporting the woman to the authorities resonated strongly.

Amid the chorus of disapproval, there were dissenting voices among netizens who downplayed the seriousness of the situation.

They argued that since the woman didn’t directly hit the dog, the actions were deemed acceptable.

Another netizen pointed out the dog’s apparently healthy physique, suggesting that the cane was used merely for discipline in response to the dog’s misbehavior.

However, this viewpoint faced swift opposition from angry netizens.

They emphasized the importance of taking violence against dogs seriously, highlighting the potential consequences of downplaying such actions.

The argument emerged that considering threatening or hitting with a cane as a form of discipline was a misconception rooted in ignorance.

Additional comments stressed the harmful normalization of using a cane to discipline dogs, pointing out the potential for lasting trauma, particularly when such actions become a daily occurrence.

The conversation among netizens underscored the broader issue of educating the public on responsible pet ownership and the consequences of mistreatment.