In a shocking turn of events, Matthew Ng Zhaohui, a director at K9 Connection, a dog training and daycare centre, has been charged with one count of animal cruelty. This charge comes in connection with a viral video that allegedly shows a dog being mistreated within the premises of K9 Connection. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about animal welfare in Singapore.
The Allegations
On November 29, 2023, Matthew Ng Zhaohui was charged with using a metal bowl to hit a dog in a MacPherson Road unit on March 20, 2022. The video, which was posted on the Facebook page of the animal welfare group Chained Dog Awareness in Singapore in July 2022, depicts a man striking a brown mongrel with a metal food bowl while the frightened animal cowers in a corner. In the video, the man can be heard making threats and using profanities towards the dog.
It is important to note that court documents did not confirm whether Matthew Ng Zhaohui was the person in the video or if the dog in question was the one referred to in his charge.
Investigation and Suspension
The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) began investigating the case of animal abuse at K9 Connection after the video came to light. The investigation resulted in the suspension of K9 Connection from its list of accredited dog trainers in March of the same year. While AVS expressed its disapproval of animal mistreatment, it did not provide specific details about the condition of the dog seen in the video.
Legal Consequences
Animal cruelty is a serious offense in Singapore. Offenders convicted of animal cruelty can face imprisonment of up to two years and fines of up to $40,000. Matthew Ng Zhaohui's case has been adjourned to January 10, 2024, and the legal proceedings will determine his guilt or innocence.
Community Reaction
The revelation of this case has sparked widespread outrage within the animal-loving community. Advocates for animal welfare are calling for stricter regulations, greater transparency, and better oversight of facilities that care for animals. Many are closely following the case to ensure justice is served for the mistreated dog.
The case of Matthew Ng Zhaohui and the allegations surrounding K9 Connection have ignited a vital conversation about the protection of animals and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. As the legal proceedings continue, Singaporeans remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure justice is served for the mistreated mongrel and to prevent future acts of animal cruelty in the country.
Next, read our other articles on Outcry Over Animal Cruelty in Katong Pet Shop Sparks Investigation and Authorities Investigate Alleged Animal Abuse Incident at Pek Kio Hawker Centre. Also, learn about theasianpawrent in advocating animal rights and contact us if you want to join our community and our giving back program to make this world a better place for our furbabies.
Reference:
C. (2023, November 29). Dog centre director allegedly linked to video of mistreated mongrel faces animal cruelty charge. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/dog-centre-director-allegedly-linked-to-video-of-mistreated-mongrel-faces-animal-cruelty-charge
Latest update: Reliable sources have confirmed that the incident. . . (n.d.). https://www.facebook.com/ChainedDogAwarenessSingapore/videos/latest-updatereliable-sources-have-confirmed-that-the-incident-happened-at-the-p/573863844247040
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