Pet dog dies after fall from 13th floor of Choa Chu Kang HDB block, NParks investigating

A white poodle was found dead outside a Housing and Development Board (HDB) block in Choa Chu Kang on the evening of Feb. 19, after it was suspected to have fallen from height.

The National Parks Board (NParks) confirmed that it has been alerted to the incident by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and is currently looking into the matter.

Facebook post first alerted residents

The incident first came to public attention after a Facebook user posted at about 7:13pm on Feb. 19 that a white dog had allegedly fallen from an HDB block in Choa Chu Kang.

The post, shared in the “Lost and Found Pets in Singapore” group, included a photograph of the dog lying motionless on the ground.

The image garnered more than 900 reactions and over 120 comments.

The post expressed hope that the owner could be contacted, adding that a passerby was assisting at the scene.

Dog had died before officer arrived

SPCA told Mothership that it received a call that evening regarding a small white dog, but the animal had unfortunately already died before its rescue officer reached the location.

As several windows in the block were open at the time, it was initially unclear which unit the dog had fallen from, SPCA said.

The owner was subsequently identified and later came forward to claim the dog’s body.

Details were taken to facilitate preliminary investigations by the society’s inspectors.

During a home visit conducted the following morning, SPCA inspectors found the owner “visibly affected” by the incident.

According to the account provided, a family member had placed the dog on a sofa positioned beneath an open window while petting it.

She then left to prepare dinner, leaving the dog unattended with access to the window. Shortly afterwards, the dog reportedly fell from the 13th floor and sustained fatal injuries.

SPCA said its inspectors advised the owner to secure the windows with grilles if the household intended to keep another dog in future.

Owner contacted, investigations ongoing

In response to queries from Mothership, NParks said the case had been escalated to them by SPCA, and they are currently in contact with the dog’s owner.

The agency added that it is looking into the circumstances surrounding the case.

NParks also similarly reminded pet owners to ensure their homes are properly secured to prevent pets from escaping or falling from height.

Windows and gates should be fitted with mesh or grilles with gaps small enough to prevent animals from slipping through. In addition, owners are required to microchip and license their pet cats and dogs.

“Being a pet owner is a lifelong commitment,” NParks said, adding that owners must provide appropriate care throughout their pets’ lives.

According to a 2025 animal cruelty and welfare report by SPCA, injuries resulting from falls, commonly referred to as “high-rise syndrome”, were the second most common contributor to poor animal welfare cases reported to the organisation last year.

While cats are often associated with such incidents, SPCA has previously emphasised that other animals, including dogs, can also fall from height.

Top image via Lost and found pets in Singapore/Facebook