SPCA seeks deterrent action against dog owner

The dog owner was recorded on video repeatedly dangling his dog by its neck on a leash and spinning it around in mid-air.
The dog owner was recorded on video repeatedly dangling his dog by its neck on a leash and spinning it around in mid-air. PHOTO: STOMP

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is "pressing for strong deterrent action" against the man who was caught on camera dangling a dog by its neck on a leash. He officially surrendered the dog to the SPCA yesterday morning.

The six-month-old Japanese spitz, which is currently under SPCA's care, will be put up for adoption once investigations by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) have been completed. An adoption notice will be posted on the SPCA's website.

The clip was uploaded on the citizen journalism website Stomp on Saturday, and shows a man repeatedly picking up the dog by its leash, lifting it off the ground and spinning it around rapidly in mid-air.

On Saturday evening, the SPCA removed the dog from the man's home with the help of the police.

Mr Louis Ng, an MP for Nee Soon GRC, said it was a "positive sign" that the public has been quick to report such instances of animal cruelty. The animal lover noted that in this case, the psychological damage inflicted upon the dog would still have been significant despite the lack of noticeable physical injuries.

Mr Ng added: "There might not have been an increase in the number of animal cruelty cases per se, but that more people are reporting these cases and want to take action. It demonstrates a shift in people's mindsets."

Anyone found guilty of cruelty to animals can be jailed for at least 18 months and/or fined up to $15,000.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 03, 2015, with the headline SPCA seeks deterrent action against dog owner. Subscribe