2 French bulldogs in S'pore suffer heatstroke after aircon allegedly turned down during transport, NParks investigating

Two French bulldogs allegedly suffered heat-related distress after being transported home from a pet daycare on Mar. 6, with one later hospitalised for severe heatstroke for nearly a week.

The incident involved Kreon and Gobu, who had attended daycare and grooming before being sent home in a third-party transport van arranged by pet daycare operator Adventure Tails.

According to the dogs’ owners, both pets showed signs of distress upon returning home, with Kreon found unconscious inside the vehicle and Gobu panting heavily.

Dogs suffered heatstroke

Speaking to Mothership, Adventure Tails said a driver from transport provider Pyro Logistics arrived at about 5pm to begin the evening transport route, with the dogs loaded into the van at around 5:30pm.

The dogs were among the final few stops on an eight-stop clustered drop-off route, the daycare said.

At about 6:45pm, the van arrived at the owners’ residence.

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According to the owners’ earlier Instagram post on the incident, Gobu leapt out of the crate once released and appeared to be struggling to breathe, while Kreon remained inside unconscious with his tongue reportedly turning purple.

The owners also said they allegedly felt warm air coming from the vehicle when the van door was opened.

Kreon was subsequently taken to a veterinary clinic, where he was diagnosed with severe heatstroke and admitted for intensive treatment.

He remained hospitalised until Mar. 12. Gobu was also taken for treatment but was discharged earlier.

Emotional toll

In messages to Mothership, Kreon and Gobu’s owners, Ann and Eugene, said both dogs are now recovering, with Kreon having returned home on Mar. 12.

“The family cannot be happier to have him back — especially to reunite with his litter mate, Gobu,” they said.

They added that the first few nights were particularly difficult, as they stayed at the hospital and later adjusted their sleep schedules to monitor Kreon’s condition at home.

“This whole adventure has been tiring for both humans and furkids.

“It has also taken quite a toll on both me and my partner, spending the first few nights at the hospital and now sleeping and waking up at odd hours to ensure that Kreon is doing well.”

They added that Kreon is eating better and has started playing again, though he remains on medication and under monitoring.

“Luckily for us, Kreon has always been a happy-go-lucky baby. Hence feeding medicine is not too tough.”

Driver allegedly lowered air-con

Adventure Tails told Mothership that the vehicle involved had been cooled before departure in line with its standard operating procedures, which require air-conditioning to be switched on about 30 minutes before dogs are loaded.

However, the daycare alleged that the driver later reduced the air-conditioning during the journey.

The company said this went against its transport requirements and added that brachycephalic breeds such as French bulldogs are especially vulnerable to overheating because of their shorter snouts.

The daycare has since announced in a Facebook post that it has terminated its engagement with Pyro Logistics and is reviewing its transport procedures.

It is also considering additional safety measures, including enhanced monitoring for dogs during transit and dedicated rear air-conditioning.

They said they would be taking legal action against Pyro Logistics.

Compensation paid

The owners informed Mothership that Adventure Tails has agreed to cover both dogs’ veterinary bills.

As of Mar. 14, the daycare had compensated S$10,000.

Adventure Tails also said it remains in daily contact with the owners.

As for Pyro Logistics, the owners added that the company’s last message to them was on Mar. 10, asking if they were available for a chat.

“Since then, there was no reply from them,” Ann and Eugene said.

“I guess they will have to come to a conclusion somehow as nobody wants such incidents to happen to another furkid again.”

Responding to queries from Mothership, the National Parks Board (NParks) said they are currently investigating the case.

Under the Animals and Birds Act, any person found guilty of animal cruelty while operating, or employed in, an animal-related business may face up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$40,000, or both.

Top images via rescuewithlovesg/Instagram