Wild dogs seen chasing jogger in Pasir Ris to be trapped and sterilised: AVS

SINGAPORE: A pack of wild dogs in Pasir Ris will be trapped and sterilised by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). 

In response to CNA’s queries, Dr Chang Siow Foong, AVS group director of community animal management, said on Tuesday (Nov 7) that AVS was alerted to an incident where free-roaming dogs were observed to have chased a jogger along Pasir Ris Drive 3 on Saturday.

In a TikTok video that was widely shared, a man was seen casually jogging on a pathway before sprinting as five dogs barked and ran after him. 

“We are actively trapping and carrying out surveillance in the area,” said Dr Chang of the incident, adding that AVS was aware of the pack of dogs. 

“When trapped, these dogs will be managed as part of our ongoing Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme.”

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Dr Chang said that the programme involves “humanely catching” free-roaming dogs and sterilising them, and efforts will be made to rehome as many of the sterilised dogs as possible. 

“Those that are unable to be rehomed will be released at suitable locations, away from residential estates, to live out their lives naturally,” he added. 

Since the launch of the programme in 2018, more than 3,900 free-roaming dogs have been trapped, with over 60 per cent successfully rehomed or fostered. 

This is the latest incident involving stray dogs this year. On Sep 8, AVS captured two dogs that were believed to have killed dozens of cats and behaved aggressively towards residents in several areas. 

Capturing wild dogs is not an easy task for AVS, as they “roam widely, are elusive and avoid the traps”, Dr Chang then said.

“Dogs are territorial animals and may bark in response to humans or other animals which are within or are approaching their territories,” he said of the latest incident, adding that they may also possess an innate instinct to chase and catch things. 

However, Dr Chang said this behaviour varies in intensity and not all dogs would display such characteristics. 

“Although some free-roaming dogs may chase after fast-moving objects, they tend to be wary of humans and usually stay out of their way. They may also approach people, using their sense of smell to gather information about their surroundings.”

When encountering free-roaming dogs, members of the public are advised not to stare and to speak softly. They should also walk away slowly without making any sudden movements. 

If assistance is needed, members of the public can call NParks’ 24-hour Animal Response Centre at 1800 476 1600 or contact AVS.