AVA warns 'dog-abusers'

The plight of the dog 'Butters' had come to light earlier this month when a video of Ms Kanchan Devi beating a small brown dog was uploaded on video-sharing website YouTube. -- PHOTO: YOUTUBE

TWO dog owners have been let off with a stern warning by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), following allegations that they abused their dog.

After a nine-day investigation, AVA found the dog to be 'healthy and in good condition', and that the owners had 'no ill-intention to hurt their pet dog whilst attempting to discipline it'.

The AVA differentiated this case from one of animal cruelty because it there was no deliberate intent to inflict harm and severe pain on an animal and also because the owners voluntarily submitted themselves to investigations. Furthermore, the dog was seen 'relating positively' to its owners.

A man, who is believed to have filmed and uploaded the video, called the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal(SPCA) to admit his involvement in the video on July 14. Alerted by enraged Netizens, the society had put up an appeal for information three days before.

The plight of the dog 'Butters' had come to light earlier this month when a video of Ms Kanchan Devi beating a small brown dog was uploaded on video-sharing website YouTube. The dog, believed to be a poodle-terrier, was beaten repeatedly with what looked like a broom.

If convicted of animal cruelty, an offender can be fined up to $10,000 and/or be imprisoned for up to 12 months.

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_556536.html

PS from ADS: is it too light for a punishment???