Husky spotted chained outside Joo Koon building, AVS was told dog only 'tied outside at times', advises against 'prolonged tethering'

A husky has reportedly been kept chained outside an engineering and manufacturing firm at Joo Koon, raising concerns of animal neglect and abuse.

Husky appeared "distressed"

According to a Mothership reader, who wished to be known only as M, the husky is frequently seen chained up outside the building with no form of shelter, and is often surrounded by people smoking nearby.

M described the husky as looking "distressed", claiming that it is often left alone outside for long hours without proper supervision or protection from the elements.

She shared that she would see the husky every morning when she arrives for work at 8am, and again when she leaves at 5:30pm, always in the same spot.

M also shared a video she took on Oct. 14 while on the bus, which showed the husky left chained outside the building.

Concern about lack of shelter

M's colleague, who wished to be known only as L, also shared that she has walked past the building several times as part of her commute to and from work, and has seen the husky there on multiple occasions.

"While the chain is attached to a sheltered structure, the shelter does not extend far enough to provide shade for the dog," she said, adding that it raises concerns about overheating and overall welfare of the dog.

She further added that the place where the dog is chained up is located right beside the vehicle gantry and along a road frequented by industrial-sized vehicles.

"This means the dog is exposed throughout the day to constant vehicle exhaust, secondhand smoke, and intense Singapore heat, none of which are appropriate living conditions for any animal."

AVS advised caregiver against prolonged tethering

In response to Mothership's queries, Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) confirmed that they had received feedback regarding a pet husky allegedly being kept outdoors.

AVS shared that it conducted a surprise inspection at the premises on Oct. 14 to assess the dog's welfare and living conditions, and found that the dog was kept in an air-conditioned room, and no welfare concerns were observed.

However, they were told that the dog "is tied outdoors at times", and AVS has advised the dog's caregiver against prolonged tethering.

Mothership has reached out to the engineering firm for further comment.

Not the first incident

A representative from animal welfare group Chained Dog Awareness Singapore (Cdas) told Mothership that the husky, named Hachi, was one of three dogs previously found chained outside in the same area.

In 2023, Cdas received videos showing three dogs, Hachi, Max, and Daisy, being chained up outdoors, even during heavy rain, and was told that Max had passed away suddenly.

A video provided to Cdas showed Max lying still on the ground as rain poured down.

When Cdas volunteers arrived at the scene, a worker was found digging a hole to bury Max, whose body had been placed in a trash bag.

Staff onsite told Cdas that Max had passed away at 9:53am, as confirmed by closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.

The staff also confirmed that the three dogs belonged to the engineering firm.

Daisy, Max's mother, was also found chained and had a large, untreated wound on her back that appeared to have been neglected for a significant period of time.

Like Max, she had been left exposed to the rain before being moved to a sheltered area, where she was chained once again, this time to a carpark gantry.

At the time, Cdas observed that Hachi was also tied up and confined to a cage.

Daisy was brought to the vet

On the same day, Cdas also alerted AVS, who went down to the site immediately.

The two then collaborated to ensure that Daisy was brought to a veterinary clinic for treatment.

Mount Pleasant Veterinary Group later informed Cdas that Daisy was under their care and recovering well.

Cdas also said that the cages that previously held the three dogs were dismantled, and that the engineering firm had informed AVS that the dogs would subsequently be kept indoors.

Top photos courtesy of M