Animal welfare groups call for higher standards after AVS dog-trapping operation at Seletar farm

Animal welfare groups in Singapore have come together to express concern after videos of a stray dog-trapping operation at a Seletar farm circulated online.

The National Parks Board's (NParks) Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) said it had deployed an animal management contractor to trap and remove three dogs on Nov. 14 for public safety reasons.

Videos show several handlers from the contractor using poles to restrain and drag a dog towards the crate while it barked and struggled.

Animal welfare groups, including Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said that while they understood the need to act on a reported biting incident, they believe the level of force used, "choking", "dragging" and alleged "misuse" of the catchpole allegedly falls "far below humane standards."

No clear identification of dog

The groups said 95 per cent of the dogs in the area of Seletar West Farmway 8 have been "patiently and humanely sterilised" by just two volunteers.

They pointed out that there was no clear identification provided on the street dogs.

One of the dogs seen being mishandled does not even leave its dining area, they added, saying this raised doubts about whether the correct dog was targeted.

They called for the authorities to "do better together", saying they work with fearful and aggressive dogs "daily" without resorting to force.

They added that rough handling "traumatises" dogs and makes rehabilitation harder.

Called for review of dog-capture protocols

The groups called for a thorough review of NParks dog-capture protocols and proper, standardised training and certification for contractors.

They also urged for clear accountability of volunteer TNRM teams and genuine collaboration with experienced AWG practitioners to raise humane handling standards.

Lastly, the groups also called for legal recognition of animals as sentient, to ensure their ability to feel pain and fear is reflected in enforcement.

"Our shared goal is a safe community and compassionate treatment of our street animals. With proper training, accountability, and cooperation, Singapore can and must do better," they wrote.

The joint statement was released by Action for Singapore Dogs Society (ASD), Causes for Animals Singapore, Chained Dog Awareness Singapore (CDAS), Mercylight Animal rescue and Sanctuary (MARS), Noah's Ark CARES (NA CARES), Oasis, Second Chance Animal Shelter, Purely Adoptions, SOSD and SPCA.

AVS's statement

AVS is aware of the videos, the Group Director for Community Animal Management at AVS, Anna Wong, said in response to Mothership's queries when the videos first circulated online.

She explained that four dog bites and chasing incidents were reported in the area from May to November 2025, including two within a span of six days in November.

These resulted in injuries to members of the public, ranging from scratches to puncture wounds that required medical attention.

Among the four victims, two previously confirmed with AVS that one of the dogs AVS had trapped had bitten them in separate incidents. One victim was chased by all three dogs before being bitten by one.

"Given the escalating pattern of incidents and potential risk to public safety, intervention became necessary," Wong said.

She explained that the trapping operation was conducted under the supervision of AVS staff.

Amount of force used was within acceptable parameters

AVS had assessed that the amount of force used during the restraint of the dogs was "within acceptable parameters", considering the dogs' history of aggression.

Their history of aggression was also why AVS wanted urgently to secure the dogs promptly and safely, Wong said.

"Trapping was achieved with reasonable force to safely secure the dogs, and all equipment deployed supports humane handling practices," she said.

AVS staff were also present onsite throughout the operation to ensure procedures were carried out in accordance with animal welfare standards.

The contractor's use of restraining poles to secure the dogs complies with international standards such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)’s guidelines on Stray Dog Population Control, she added.

No uncovered wire loops or other potentially harmful devices were used during the trapping process.

Wong explained that enclosure trapping, an alternative method, was not viable due to the time required, and that the presence of alternative food sources would compromise bait effectiveness.

Regarding the video of the contractors appearing to push a dog's head, Wong explained that the dog had bitten and latched onto both the catch pole and snare pole during the restraint process.

The contractor applied "controlled pressure" to the poles to loosen the dog's bite and reduce tension on the restraining devices — a necessary response, Wong said, to safely disengage the dog's grip on the equipment.

These actions were carried out to prevent injury to both the dog and the contractor by avoiding forceful pulling that could cause harm to the dog's mouth or neck.

"Throughout the operation, all restraint procedures were carried out with due consideration for both animal welfare and personnel safety," Wong said.

Response to animal welfare groups' statement

Wong said that AVS acknowledges the feedback and concerns that the animal welfare groups have raised regarding handling standards and dog management practices.

They have been engaging animal welfare group partners to gather their feedback and concerns over the last few days, she said.

They will continue working closely with these partners to refine the TNRM programme.

"This includes reviewing our joint protocols and improving our communication and coordination," she said.

On the Seletar West Farmway 8 operation, she reiterated that AVS had assessed the situation on-site before determining an appropriate method of restraint, taking into consideration personnel and animal safety.

"The trapping was completed safely and effectively by AVS’ animal management contractor under the supervision of AVS staff.

Due to the earlier bite incidents and high risk to public safety, the contractor used appropriate restraining equipment to secure the dogs during the operations.

AVS worked with the victims to confirm that the dogs were involved in the incidents. Two victims confirmed that one of these dogs had bitten them in separate incidents, while the two remaining dogs had chased one of the victims.

These three dogs are currently in AVS’ care, and are observed to be bright, alert and eating well."

Top photos from Yeo Yeo/Facebook