AVA: Prince, the missing Sheepdog, died under Platinium Dogs Club's care & was cremated

That is terrible.

Zhangxin Zheng | Nyi Nyi Thet | January 09, 2019, 12:37 PM

There has been a surge of anger towards the Platinium Dogs Club (PDC) and its owner.

But a silver lining had always been the outpouring of support and kindness shown by regular Singaporeans in helping Elaine Mao find her lost Shetland Sheepdog, Prince.

Prince had been presumed missing since it wasn't part of the 18 dogs recovered during the raid on PDC.

Mao had even put up a S$2,000 reward for the safe return of Prince.

In fact, as recently as a day ago, more sightings of Prince were reported.

Unfortunately, the story doesn't appear to have a happy ending.

AVA responds

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) posted a Facebook update on January 9, 2019 on the fate of the 18 dogs rescued from PDC's premises.

In it, they also revealed that preliminary investigations show Prince, the missing sheepdog, had died while it was boarded at PDC, and was subsequently cremated.

Here's their full statement.

"AVA had earlier taken temporary custody of 18 dogs and one rabbit from Platinium Dogs Club (PDC). This was to safeguard their welfare.

Since then, we have been contacting their owners. As of today, all the animals, with the exception of one dog (whose owner is currently not in Singapore) and the rabbit, have been reunited with their owners. We are continuing to establish ownership of the rabbit.

Separately, preliminary investigations have revealed that Prince, a Shetland Sheepdog reported to be missing from PDC, had died while it was boarded there and was cremated by a pet cremation service provider.

AVA’s investigation is still ongoing. The public is advised not to speculate and let the investigation take its course. AVA takes animal welfare seriously and will take enforcement action against any offenders to safeguard animal welfare."

Mao's response

Mao posted a Facebook update regarding this new information.

She also wrote an update on a previous post imploring for more information on Prince.

"Dear friends and pet lovers,

The news of my baby Prince is gone, is totally unbearable. A part of me has gone with him. Sorry for not responding to anything from now on as we need some time and space to calm down and swallow the fact.

Thank you all for your support, especially to those who have helped us searching.

Appreciate very much if you can take down the posters where you can see.

PRINCE IS GONE!!

MAY HIM REST IN PEACE"

Image collated from Serene Wong and Elaine Mao

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