ⓒ The Straits Times
Singapore – A repeat offender was fined S$4,500 (US$3,349) after his bull terrier attacked another dog. Ng Boon Siong had previously been fined for not leashing and muzzling his dog. This time, his unleashed and unmuzzled bull terrier attacked a shiba inu, injuring both the smaller dog and its owner.
The incident occurred on October 23, 2023, at a playground in Bendemeer. Ng was playing fetch with his bull terrier, throwing a ball for the dog to retrieve. During this time, the dog charged at a nearby shiba inu and its owner, biting the smaller dog. The shiba inu’s owner was injured while trying to pull his dog away from the attack.
Ng’s attempts to stop the attack were unsuccessful, but his domestic helper eventually intervened, using an object to hit the bull terrier and separate the dogs. The shiba inu suffered an abrasion on its snout, and its harness was damaged. Its owner sustained scratches, abrasions, and a sprained ankle.
The injured owner sought medical treatment, incurring costs of S$122.68. He also had to replace his dog’s harness, costing an additional S$26.65. Ng’s previous offenses included two composition fines from the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) in 2022 and another fine last year for his dog being at large. All fines were related to the same dog.
The AVS has used this case to remind pet owners of their responsibilities, urging them to leash their dogs in public and to be mindful of personal space when interacting with other people and pets.
