Man allegedly kicks dog twice in Toa Payoh, tells elderly owner 'you're in the way'

UPDATE on Aug. 26, 11am: The article has been updated with NParks' statement.

An elderly couple was walking their dog in Toa Payoh when a man allegedly approached them and kicked the pet twice, including once in the abdomen.

What happened

Speaking to Mothership, the dog's owner, Nina Tan, said the incident took place at around 6:45pm on Aug. 20.

Tan said her 78-year-old father and 72-year-old mother were walking Truffle, their seven-year-old Cavapoo, along a grassy pathway between Block 10B and Block 14 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 when they encountered a man walking in their direction.

According to Tan, she was acquainted with the man, who has two large dogs, and said he was aware that Truffle would bark whenever he saw him or his dogs.

She said the man was walking one of his dogs at the time, which she understood to be reactive.

"Normally, when I see this man and his dogs approaching from a distance, I would immediately move away to avoid any potential interaction, as I am aware of the dogs' temperaments and the possibility of them reacting to each other," she said.

Her father, however, was not familiar with the man and was unaware that they would normally keep their distance from him and his dogs, Tan said.

According to Tan, the man gestured for her father to move aside after spotting him and Truffle.

Her father did not notice the gesture and remained where he was, while her mother was nearby picking up Truffle's faeces from the grass.

Tan said there was ample space around them and that her father was not deliberately blocking the man's path or preventing him from passing.

She claimed that the man continued walking towards her father and Truffle, despite knowing that Truffle did not like him and that there was a possibility the dogs could react to each other.

As the man approached, Truffle began reacting to him.

Tan alleged that the man then kicked Truffle twice.

The first kick missed its body, but struck the dog's tail, while the second kick landed in the abdomen.

Seeing what was happening, Tan's mother immediately ran towards them and shouted at the man to stop.

Neighbours from nearby blocks also asked him to stop, Tan said.

She said the man subsequently justified his actions by saying that her father was "in his way" and that he had already signalled for him to move, but her father had not done so.

Tan said she believed the situation could have been avoided if the man had given her father and Truffle more space, particularly as he was aware of how her dog would react and the temperament of both dogs involved.

She has made a police report.

Truffle receiving medical treatment

Tan said her parents have been worried and shaken since the incident, and were particularly frightened by what she described as the man's "aggressive manner".

"My parents are now concerned about their own safety," she said. "They worry that the man may confront them again in the neighbourhood or potentially retaliate because the incident has been reported."

"While we cannot know what his intentions are, the incident has made them feel vulnerable and afraid of encountering him again."

Tan added that Truffle was injured and has been unwell since the incident, but is currently receiving medical treatment.

"I want justice for Truffle, but I also believe it is important to report the incident so that there is awareness of what happened and to help ensure that everyone — including elderly residents and other dog owners — can feel safe in our neighbourhood."

Investigations ongoing

In response to Mothership's queries, Jessica Kwok, the National Parks Board (NParks) group director of enforcement and investigation said NParks is aware of an incident where an individual allegedly kicked a pet dog in Toa Payoh.

"We are in contact with the owner and are investigating the matter," she said.

Kwok also reminded members of the public to report suspected animal welfare cases, such as animal cruelty or neglect, promptly.

The public can make a report to NParks at go.gov.sg/reporttoavs, or call its Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.

"NParks takes all feedback received from the public seriously, and investigates it thoroughly if there is sufficient information provided. As with all investigations, all forms of evidence are crucial, and photographic and videographic evidence provided by the public will help."