NParks investigating case of poodle's death after alleged neglect at Tanjong Katong shop

The NParks is investigating the case of a dog which died at a Tanjong Katong pet groomer, after it was allegedly left unattended. 

The dog's owner has accused the pet groomer of negligence.

Speaking to AsiaOne on Sunday (Nov 2), Tanish Dhillon said his dog Buddy died at Pawsome Singapore on Oct 30 due to a lack of care.

According to the Singaporean, Buddy died at 10.01am and no one checked on the poodle for an hour afterwards.

Dhillon said he was alerted to Buddy's death at 11.50am and was told his dog had "just collapsed".

In a twelve-minute CCTV footage posted on Dhillon's Instagram, Buddy can be seen alone in the grooming area whining loudly.

@asiaone Tanish Dhilion's poodle can be seen struggling in an enclosure before its death at 10.01am. He was informed by the groomer at 11.50am. #sgnews #Singapore #Pet #Police ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

When Dhillon saw the poodle's body, there was allegedly blood on his paws and mouth.

Dhillon told AsiaOne that the day after Buddy's death, Pawsome contacted him and he has requested for the full CCTV footage. 

"They have yet to apologise for the neglience on their part," Dhillon said, adding that the groomer framed their apology as "sorry about the passing".

Dhillon said he has since filed a police report and intends to pursue legal action. The police, when contacted by AsiaOne, confirmed that a report was lodged.

"I will not stop fighting for my baby," Dhillon wrote on Instagram. "Buddy deserves someone who will not let this be swept away."

Shop says it is working closely with family

In an Instagram story on Sunday (Nov 2), the Pawsome management team said they were heartbroken over what happened to Buddy.

"One difficult moment does not define who we are or the dedication our team puts into caring for animals every single day."

According to chat screenshots posted on Dhillon's Instagram, Pawsome said they reviewed CCTV footage together with the owner and at this stage, it does not show any clear cause of what happened. 

"We are taking this matter seriously, and are in close communication with the family," wrote the shop.

In its response to AsiaOne's queries, Jessica Kwok, group director of enforcement and investigation at NParks, stated that people who work with animals, including those in the pet grooming industry, are expected to are expected to uphold higher standards of animal welfare under the Animals and Birds Act. 

This is especially so as pet groomers are entrusted with the care of the animals by their clients. 

Those found guilty of animal cruelty while operating or under the employment of an animal-related business face up to two years’ jail and/or a fine o $40,000.

Kwok added that the Animal and Veterinary Service, which falls under NParks, has a Code of Animal Welfare (for the Pet Industry) which lists the minimum standards for pet businesses, including pet groomers.

AsiaOne has reached out to Pawsome for comment.

[[nid:723722]]

jengjee.hoon@asiaone.com