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The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) is investigating a case involving a Bichon Frise and a German Shepherd that happened last month on Aug. 6.

AVS: Second reported incident

The National Parks Board (NParks), which AVS falls under, released a statement in response to Mothership's queries on Aug. 31.

NParks' Community Animal Management Group Director, Jessica Kwok said that the circumstances leading to the incident will be considered,

This includes the behavioural temperament of the Bichon Frise, and the extent of the injuries inflicted by the Bichon Frise.

An earlier report was filed in Feb. 2020, when the Bichon Frise had ran out of its house and attacked the same German Shepherd.

Following which, enforcement action was taken against the attacking dog's owner for allowing the dog to be "at large" in a public place – an offence under the Dog Licensing and Control Rules.

AVS: Keep dogs leashed, and under proper control

Kwok said that such behaviour displayed by the Bichon Frise, where a dog has developed a negative reaction, such as aggression, towards specific dogs, could be a result of various reasons.

This includes prior negative experiences, or agonistic interactions, with similar looking dogs, or be a defensive response due to anxiety and a lack of of socialisation, or experience, with certain dogs.

Additionally, Kwok said dogs are still susceptible to mood changes, and may react negatively to external stimuli or unforeseen circumstances, despite having been trained to be well-behaved and obedient.

As such, Kwok advised owners to keep their dogs leashed, and under proper control to prevent unwanted incidents, reduce unintended disturbances, and endanger other people and animals.

Under the Animals and Birds rules, pet dogs must be leashed and under proper control at all times when in public spaces.

Failure to do so might result in a fine of up to S$5,000.

What happened on Aug. 6

The Bichon Frise allegedly attacked a German Shepherd named Peter on Aug. 6.

Peter was on a walk around an estate in Serangoon Gardens when the Bichon Frise charged at him, some 400m away from where the Bichon Frise was inhabiting.

Peter's owner told Mothership that the Bichon Frise went for Peter's neck, abdomen, and tail, and also bit the owner's right forearm.

Two neighbours intervened to pull the attacking dog away.

According to Peter's owner, the side gate to the Bichon Frise's house was left open, which enabled the Bichon Frise to escape and attack Peter.

Peter's owner said the incident was an act of negligence by the Bichon Frise's owner who has not been taking measures to ensure the dog is kept inside the house.

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Top image by Caterina Tan/Facebook