The National Parks Board (NParks) is investigating the death of a pet dog that was allegedly left unattended at a grooming facility along Tanjong Katong Road last week.
NParks group director of enforcement and investigation, Jessica Kwok, said the agency is looking into the incident and will take firm action if negligence is established, CNA reported. Police confirmed that a report has been lodged.
The dog’s owner, 27-year-old trainee lawyer Tanya Dhillon, said her standard poodle, Buddy, had been sent to the groomer for routine care last Thursday but was left unsupervised in a cage.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage shared online showed Buddy panting, barking, and struggling for about 12 minutes before collapsing.
Staff reportedly found the dog unresponsive at around 10.33am and attempted CPR before rushing him to a veterinary clinic, where he was pronounced dead.
Dhillon said her family has sent Buddy’s body to the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) under NParks for an autopsy to determine how long he was left alone and the exact cause of death.
In a statement, the grooming facility said it was “heartbroken” over the incident, describing Buddy as a regular client for the past four years. The company maintained that all pets are treated with “love, respect, and attention,” and added that it is fully cooperating with authorities.
The business also urged the public to show “kindness and understanding” while investigations continue.
