Corgi allegedly dragged & left under hot sun for 1 hour at Seletar condo, SPCA says investigations ongoing

Videos showing a Corgi allegedly being mistreated at a condominium in Seletar have raised concerns over the dog’s welfare.

Woman spotted dragging Corgi by its leash

The videos were first posted on the Facebook group Singapore Dogs Community on Aug. 24.

In one video, a woman can be seen dragging a Corgi by its leash across a patch of grass.

The dog appears to have difficulty using its hind legs and is unable to walk normally.

In another video, the dog is seen sitting alone on a grass patch with its leash still attached.

It then attempts to move forward, using its front legs to pull itself along.

The dog also appears to be panting, with its tongue sticking out.

According to the post's caption, the incident took place at Nim Gardens, a condominium in Seletar.

SPCA went down to investigate

In response to Mothership's queries, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said it first received a report about the case on Aug. 18.

Its inspectors attempted to conduct a home visit on Aug. 20, but no one answered the door.

An officer from the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) subsequently informed them that the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) and National Parks Board (NParks) had attended to the case.

SPCA said that when cases it receives have also been reported to the relevant authorities, it generally defers to their protocols and allows the investigations to take their course.

However, should they be called upon to assist in investigations, its inspectors will do so to the fullest extent possible, it added.

In this case, SPCA said its inspectors consulted AVS and NParks, which confirmed that investigations were underway.

The inspectors also obtained the case number to facilitate follow-ups.

Corgi spotted under the hot sun a few days later

SPCA said it later received another report on Aug. 24, which said that the dog had again been seen outside under the hot sun for an hour that day.

Given the rising temperatures and risk of heatstroke, its inspectors made an urgent visit on Aug. 25 to check on the dog's welfare while it was outdoors.

When they arrived at the estate, they found the dog alone on a grass patch under direct sunlight and panting.

The inspectors then spoke to the domestic helper who was sitting nearby in the shade, taking the opportunity to gather information.

They also advised the helper on dog welfare, including how to handle a dog that may be unable to walk on a leash due to weakness in its hind legs.

SPCA said dragging a dog by its leash could cause injury or create a fearful association with walks.

Its inspectors subsequently helped carry the dog to a sheltered area and advised the helper to provide it with water to help it cool down.

They also spoke to an MCST officer who was able to provide more information, and managed to speak to the dog’s owner over the phone later that day.

SPCA said the findings from its visit had been conveyed to the authorities to support their investigations.

Mothership has reached out to AVS and NParks for comment.