NParks says stray dogs at Bidadari Park not 'trapped' inside hoarding, but might be rehomed after parkgoers' complaints

Residents in Bidadari have banded together to call for the release of four elderly stray dogs.

The dogs — known to residents as Floppy, Pointy, Kalu, and White Chest — have allegedly been trapped for removal from Bidadari Park.

This is reportedly due to complaints from members of the public.

In an online petition, one of the dogs' feeders, Jermaine Chua, called for the dogs to be left alone.

She said that they have been living there for over 10 years and and "did not pose any threat to anyone".

"There has been no case of actual aggression nor attack from the innocent dogs who are almost 10 years old and do not have very much time left," she added.

The petition has gained over 3,000 signatures.

In response, the National Parks Board (NParks) said it is working to "humanely trap" the dogs and explore options for rehoming, fostering, and relocation.

It added that the dogs are free to move in and out of the hoarded-up area.

Tension with residents

The strays have lived in the area since it was redeveloped from Mount Vernon Sanctuary to Bidadari Park, according to an Instagram page run by Chua.

While the dogs are shy and skittish, and would previously avoid people, the opening of Bidadari Park in September 2024 led to a "sudden influx of strange humans into their space".

"Naturally there was some tension which was expressed through barking," Chua wrote.

However, there has been no evidence of actual attacks or aggression on humans, she added.

'Extremely scared'

But as a result of visitor complaints, NParks has now "sealed up the area" to trap, capture, and remove the dogs, Chua claimed.

She added that the dogs are likely "extremely scared", and that they have been unable to come out for food for days.

As such, Chua and other feeders have been leaving food for the dogs near the hoarding.

"How is this humane trapping?" she asked in a recent Instagram post.

Furthermore, she argued that rehoming or relocation are less-than-ideal options for the strays.

The former is unlikely due to their age and skittish nature, and the latter is risky and stressful, she said.

As such, she hopes for the dogs to be left alone "to live out their remaining time".

She is also seeking fosterers to take them in temporarily.

Canvas hoarding does not trap the dogs

In response to Mothership's queries, NParks confirmed that it had received feedback about "territorial behaviour" displayed by free-roaming dogs at Bidadari Park.

It is conducting surveillance and is working towards the humane capture of the dogs for public safety reasons, it added.

The statutory board also explained that the barriers installed, which some might believe are trapping the dogs, are canvas hoarding.

These are meant to provide a visual barrier to minimise human-dog interactions such as barking, and to prevent members of the public from entering off-trail areas.

In fact, the dogs are free to move in and out of the hoarded-up area, NParks said.

NParks added that after safely trapping the dogs, it will work with animal welfare groups to manage them "responsibly".

"This includes exploring options for rehoming, fostering and relocation for the dogs once they are humanely captured," it said.

In the meantime, signs have been installed to advise park visitors on how to manage encounters with free-roaming dogs.

Members of the public are advised not to stare at them, to speak softly, and to walk away slowly without making any sudden movements.

NParks said that while free-roaming dogs are territorial in nature and may bark or chase things, they tend to be wary of humans and usually stay out of their way.

They may also approach people to use their sense of smell to gather information about their surroundings.

Members of the public who need help can contact the Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 or contact AVS at www.avs.gov.sg/feedback.

Top image from Jermaine Chua/Facebook