National Parks Board seeks fine in animal cruelty case against dog training center director for striking dog with metal bowl

SINGAPORE: A director associated with the K9 Connection dog training and daycare center, Matthew Ng Zhaohui, was formally charged with animal cruelty on 29 November 2023.

The charges stem from an incident that allegedly took place on 20 March 2022 at a MacPherson Road unit, where Ng is accused of striking a dog with a metal bowl around 10:45 pm.

However, court documents have not explicitly stated whether Ng is the individual depicted in a viral video linked to the mistreatment of a mongrel or if the dog in the video corresponds to the one specified in his charge, as reported by The Straits Times.

In the formal charge sheet, it is outlined that Ng, in his capacity as a licensee of K9 Connection, is accused of using a metal bowl to harm the dog.

During a court session on Wednesday (29 Nov), a prosecutor from the National Parks Board (NParks) mentioned that there was no confirmed sentencing position, but they intended to seek a fine for the alleged offence.

According to CNA, Ng’s defence lawyer highlighted disparities between the charge presented to her client and the original charge.

The earlier charge specified the dog involved and accused Ng of kicking the dog but did not clarify his capacity as a licensee of K9 Connection.

The defence lawyer was instructed to consult with Ng, address these distinctions, and make representations on his behalf.

As a result, the case has been adjourned to 10 January 2024.

It is noteworthy that offenders convicted of animal cruelty in Singapore may face imprisonment for up to two years and fines of up to S$40,000 (US$30,000).

Disturbing dog abuse video sparks urgent intervention by Singapore’s AVS

In July 2022, a distressing two-minute video depicting animal abuse surfaced on the Chained Dog Awareness in Singapore Facebook page.

The footage revealed a dog cowering in fear as it was repeatedly struck by an individual wielding a metal bowl.

The dog, tethered in a green kennel, was subjected to verbal taunts in Mandarin, accompanied by explicit language, as the person menacingly approached it with a metal hook and bowl.

Throughout the video, the man can be heard callously declaring, “Welcome to hell, my friend. Four weeks of hell”.

The chained dog, visibly distressed, reacts by baring its teeth in response to the forceful swipes.

Despite its attempts to resist, the dog loses balance and is ultimately seen curled up in a corner, highlighting the severity of the mistreatment it endured.

Prompt action was taken by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) in response to the alarming video.

The handler responsible for the abuse was promptly suspended from the list of accredited dog trainers.

The AVS assured the public that the dog, following the incident, was in a safe condition and successfully returned to its owner.