NParks Defends Use of Force in Dog Trapping at Seletar Farm

The National Parks Board (NParks) has stated that an “acceptable” level of force was employed in the recent trapping of three stray dogs at Seletar West Farmway 8. This response follows allegations from animal rights groups regarding rough handling and mistreatment during the operation. According to NParks, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) initiated the removal of the free-roaming dogs for safety reasons due to reported incidents of dog bites and aggressive behavior in the area.

Dr Anna Wong, group director of community animal management at AVS, explained that the decision was based on an assessment of the dogs’ history of aggression. “Given the urgency to secure these dogs promptly and safely, the amount of force used during the restraint was within acceptable parameters,” she stated. Dr Wong emphasized that the equipment utilized during the operation adhered to humane handling practices.

The incident, which took place on November 16, involved the use of a catch pole to restrain a brown dog, as shown in a video circulated online. Critics have expressed concern over the methods employed, with some footage depicting a dog appearing distressed while being caught and placed in a cage. Animal welfare organization Chained Dog Awareness highlighted the visible signs of fear in the captured dogs, including blood stains and signs of extreme stress.

Both Chained Dog Awareness and another group, Causes for Animals Singapore, questioned whether NParks had made adequate efforts to identify the dogs involved in the biting incidents prior to the trapping. They argued that previous sterilization efforts in the area could have been pursued using more humane methods.

In response to public queries, Dr Wong detailed a pattern of escalating incidents involving dog bites from May to November 2023, including two significant incidents within a week in November. One victim reported being bitten on the calf while cycling, while another was bitten on the thigh without provocation. “These incidents resulted in injuries to members of the public, with injuries ranging from scratches to puncture wounds requiring medical attention,” she noted.

The decision to implement trapping was made after the farm confirmed it did not own the dogs and agreed to their removal. Dr Wong explained that enclosure trapping was not feasible due to the time it would take and the presence of alternative food sources compromising the effectiveness of bait.

In addressing online criticism, NParks clarified that the contractor did not lift the dog using the catch pole, contrary to what some videos suggested. “The catch pole was used to guide the dog’s head toward the carrier, while a staff member assisted in lifting the dog’s hind legs for a safe transfer,” Dr Wong explained. She defended the contractor’s actions as necessary for disengaging the dog’s grip on the poles during the restraint process, emphasizing that all actions were taken with care for both animal welfare and personnel safety.

Following the capture, two victims confirmed that one of the dogs had bitten them, while the other two had chased a victim. The three dogs are currently in the care of AVS, which will monitor them before considering their suitability for rehoming under the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage program. Dr Wong encouraged members of the public interested in adopting dogs from this initiative to reach out to AVS’s rehoming partners.

As the situation continues to unfold, NParks remains focused on balancing public safety with the welfare of the animals involved.