NParks says ‘reasonable force’ used to catch dogs in Seletar West after 4 biting incidents

Following four dog bite incidents since May — two of which happened within one week in November — the authorities moved in to remove three dogs from a farm in Seletar West.

- Yap Wei Qiang Correspondent

Responding to concerns raised over whether the force used during the removal process was appropriate, the National Parks Board (NParks) said that considering the earlier bite incidents and high risk to public safety, the trapping of the dogs was achieved with “reasonable force”, and the equipment used was also in line with international practices.

Videos posted on Instagram by a private account on Nov 14 show two mixed-breed dogs being captured at the farm, with the third dog already inside a crate. At least five men are seen to be involved in the process. The video clips have since been posted on other social media accounts, including those of animal welfare groups.

One clip shows a dog being pushed into a crate with two poles while it bites one of the poles.

Another shows a second dog held at its neck with a pole and resisting capture. The dog is eventually lifted into a crate.

Several stains resembling faecal stains and blood can be seen on the ground.

The Instagram user who posted the videos wrote on the clips that “the dogs were so scared” and, referring to one of the dogs, that “this old dog was already injured, and now he can’t stand up after the shock”. She also claimed that one of the dogs was about 10 years old and walked with a limp.