Mindef probes alleged animal abuse in camp

Mindef probes alleged animal abuse in camp

SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on Facebook yesterday that it is launching a formal investigation into allegations of animal abuse at Pasir Ris Camp by army personnel. 

This was after a video showing a black dog tied up in a pulley-like set-up went viral on social media.

In the 21-second clip put up by animal welfare group Animal Lovers League on Facebook on Tuesday, the dog was seen cowering in what appears to be a shower stall with a white rope tied around its neck.

The other end of the rope was strung over and knotted on a lintel, while excess rope was left hanging, which made the set-up look like a pulley. 

The rope also appeared taut, which kept the dog in a sitting position and prevented it from lying down. 

The post has since gone viral with more than 890 shares. 

Responding to allegations of abuse on The Singapore Army’s Facebook page last night, Mindef said: “Our army does not condone abuse to animals and disciplinary action will be taken against any servicemen found to have abused animals.” 

It added that preliminary findings have revealed that the “stray dogs around Pasir Ris Camp have been biting members of the public and our servicemen”. 

It is not clear if the dog in the video was one of the stray dogs.

Responding to queries, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said a dog was collected from Pasir Ris Camp on Monday and is now in AVA’s pound. 

No injuries were detected, a spokesman said. 

“As the dog is microchipped, we are in the process of tracing its owner,” she said. 

“AVA is also working with Mindef to investigate this matter.” 

Citing pending investigations, Animal Lovers League co-founder Cathy Strong declined to comment further. 

But a Facebook post by the group yesterday said that four dogs have been rescued from the Pasir Ris Camp and the rescue of the fifth dog is ongoing.

audreyt@sph.com.sg


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