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The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
New Singapore advisory cautions against use of electronic shock collars, prong collars on dogs
SINGAPORE: Dog owners are urged to avoid using electronic shock collars and prong collars to train their pets as such devices can cause serious harm, according to a new advisory released by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) on Saturday (July 26). Electronic collars are designed to deliver stimulus such as an electric shock, vibration or spray at the dog's neck. Prong collars comprise a series of links with teeth or blunted ends, designed to pinch the skin around a dog's neck when it is tightened. Both fall under a category of tools called aversive training devices, which inflict discomfort or pain to deter unwanted behaviour in dogs. Such devices are easily available online, and can cost from $15 to more than $250. The advisory, which aims to help dog owners understand the downside of such devices, was launched by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan during the Pets' Day Out event held at Tampines Boulevard Park. The event saw pet lovers gathering for workshops and a pet marketplace. AVS, a cluster within the National Parks Board (NParks), will also be reviewing the need to regulate the use of animal training devices, as part of the review of the Animals and Birds Act. The review will take into consideration the outcomes and feedback for the advisory. Said Tan: '(The advisory) provides clear, science-based guidance to help dog trainers and pet owners make informed and responsible decisions about training methods.' The advisory also strongly encourages positive, rewards-based training methods. 'These are methods that help build trust with our dogs, making them feel safe and confident, while training and teaching them to better adapt to life in our urban environment,' said Tan. 'The use of aversive dog training devices should only be chosen as a last resort and only by trained professionals or under the supervision of one.' Singapore Veterinary Association president Teo Boon Han said the advisory was a good first step in outreach and education. - Photo: ST The 34-page document was developed by the Dog Training Standards Workgroup, which comprises dog trainers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups and representatives from working dog units. Formed in August 2024, the work group is co-chaired by the AVS and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The advisory details the different types of electronic and prong collars, and the adverse impact it can have on a dog. Other than causing direct distress such as pain, fear and anxiety, aversive tools may also exacerbate and worsen existing behaviour problems. Dog trainers and vets alike lauded the launch of the advisory. Anna Koo, founder of dog training company Mutt Matters, said she usually handles cases of dogs that display reactive or aggressive behaviours. More often than not, the cases are linked to use of aversive devices. Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan interacting with dogs and their owners during the Pets' Day Out event at Tampines Boulevard Park on July 26. - Photo: ST Koo explained that aversive devices will typically suppress problematic behaviour such as growling, lunging or barking. However, these are ways that a dog expresses fear or discomfort. 'Over time, the dog will learn that it is not safe for it to communicate. So then you may start to get a silent, biting dog, which is far more dangerous,' said Koo, 48. President of the Singapore Veterinary Association Teo Boon Han said that the advisory is a good first step in outreach and education, and he hopes there will be no need to take further measures. 'Hopefully, with these collective efforts, we can work together, and we don't need to take that next step (towards more measures). As a society, if there is internal motivation to change the way we treat animals, that's the best outcome,' said Dr Teo. - The Straits Times/ANN
New Paper
3 days ago
- Health
- New Paper
Electronic shock collars, prong collars can cause serious harm to dogs: AVS
Dog owners are urged to avoid using electronic shock collars and prong collars to train their pets as such devices can cause serious harm, according to a new advisory released by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) on July 26. Electronic collars are designed to deliver stimulus such as an electric shock, vibration or spray at the dog's neck. Prong collars comprise a series of links with teeth or blunted ends, designed to pinch the skin around a dog's neck when it is tightened. Both fall under a category of tools called aversive training devices, which inflict discomfort or pain to deter unwanted behaviour in dogs. Such devices are easily available online, and can cost from $15 to more than $250. The advisory, which aims to help dog owners understand the downside of such devices, was launched by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan during the Pets' Day Out event held at Tampines Boulevard Park. The event saw pet lovers gathering for workshops and a pet marketplace. AVS, a cluster within the National Parks Board (NParks), will also be reviewing the need to regulate the use of animal training devices, as part of the review of the Animals and Birds Act. The review will take into consideration the outcomes and feedback for the advisory. Said Mr Tan: "(The advisory) provides clear, science-based guidance to help dog trainers and pet owners make informed and responsible decisions about training methods." The advisory also strongly encourages positive, rewards-based training methods. "These are methods that help build trust with our dogs, making them feel safe and confident, while training and teaching them to better adapt to life in our urban environment," said Mr Tan. "The use of aversive dog training devices should only be chosen as a last resort and only by trained professionals or under the supervision of one." The 34-page document was developed by the Dog Training Standards Workgroup, which comprises dog trainers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups and representatives from working dog units. Formed in August 2024, the work group is co-chaired by the AVS and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A prong collar (left) and electronic shock collar on display. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG The advisory details the different types of electronic and prong collars, and the adverse impact it can have on a dog. Other than causing direct distress such as pain, fear and anxiety, aversive tools may also exacerbate and worsen existing behaviour problems. Dog trainers and vets alike lauded the launch of the advisory. Mrs Anna Koo, founder of dog training company Mutt Matters, said she usually handles cases of dogs that display reactive or aggressive behaviours. More often than not, the cases are linked to use of aversive devices. Mrs Koo explained that aversive devices will typically suppress problematic behaviour such as growling, lunging or barking. However, these are ways that a dog expresses fear or discomfort. "Over time, the dog will learn that it is not safe for it to communicate. So then you may start to get a silent, biting dog, which is far more dangerous," said Mrs Koo, 48. Singapore Veterinary Association president Teo Boon Han said the advisory was a good first step in outreach and education. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG President of the Singapore Veterinary Association Teo Boon Han said that the advisory is a good first step in outreach and education, and he hopes there will be no need to take further measures. "Hopefully, with these collective efforts, we can work together, and we don't need to take that next step (towards more measures). As a society, if there is internal motivation to change the way we treat animals, that's the best outcome," said Dr Teo.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
New advisory cautions against use of electronic shock collars and prong collars on dogs
Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan interacting with dogs and their owners during the Pets' Day Out at Tampines Boulevard Park on July 26. SINGAPORE – Dog owners are being discouraged from using electronic shock collars and prong collars to train their pets as such devices can cause serious harm to canines, according to a new advisory released by Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) on July 26. Electronic collars are designed to deliver stimulus such as an electric shock, vibration or spray at the dog's neck. Prong collars comprise a series of links with teeth or blunted ends, designed to pinch the skin around a dog's neck when it's tightened. Both fall under a category of tools called aversive training devices, which inflict discomfort or pain to deter unwanted behaviour in dogs. Such devices are easily available online, and can cost between $15 to over $250. The advisory, which aims to help dog owners understand the downsides of such devices, was launched by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan during the Pet's Day Out event held at Tampines Boulevard Park. The event saw pet lovers gathering for workshops and a pet marketplace. AVS, a cluster within the National Parks Board (NParks), will also be reviewing the need to license the use of animal training devices, as part of the review of Animals and Birds Act. The review will take into consideration the outcomes and feedback for the advisory. Said Mr Tan: '(The advisory) provides clear, science-based guidance to help dog trainers and pet owners make informed and responsible decisions about training methods.' The advisory also strongly encourages positive, rewards-based training methods. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Students hide vapes in underwear, toilet roll holders: S'pore schools grapple with vaping scourge Singapore 'I've tried everything': Mum helpless as son's Kpod addiction spirals out of control Singapore Almost half of planned 30,000 HDB flats in Tengah to be completed by end-2025: Chee Hong Tat Singapore Black belt in taekwondo, Grade 8 in piano: S'pore teen excels despite condition that limits movements Singapore As Asean looks to nuclear energy, public education efforts are needed: UN nuclear watchdog chief Asia Thousands rally in downtown Kuala Lumpur for resignation of PM Anwar Asia Death toll climbs as Thai-Cambodia clashes continue despite calls for ceasefire Asia Shunsaku Tamiya, who brought perfection to plastic race car models, dies at 90 'These are methods that help build trust with our dogs, making them feel safe and confident, while training and teaching them to better adapt to life in our urban environment,' said Mr Tan. 'The use of aversive dog training devices should only be chosen as a last resort and only by trained professionals or under the supervision of one.' The 34-page document was developed by the Dog Training Workgroup, which comprises dog trainers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups and representatives from working dog units. Formed in Aug 2024, the workgroup is co-chaired by the AVS and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A prong collar (left) and electronic shock collar on display. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG The advisory details the different types of electronic and prong collars, and the negative impact it can have on a dog's welfare. Other than causing direct distress such as pain, fear and anxiety, aversive tools may also exacerbate and worsen existing behaviour problems. Dog trainers and vets alike laud the launch of the advisory. Mrs Anna Koo, founder of dog training company Mutt Matters, said she usually handles cases of dogs who display reactive or aggressive behaviours. More often than not, the cases are linked to use of aversive devices. Mrs Koo explained that aversive devices will typically suppress problematic behaviour such as growling, lunging or barking. However, these are ways that a dog expresses fear or discomfort. 'Over time, the dog will learn that it is not safe for it to communicate. So then you may start to get a silent, biting dog, which is far more dangerous,' said Mrs Koo, 48. Singapore Veterinary Association president Teo Boon Han said the advisory was a good first step. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG President of the Singapore Veterinary Association Teo Boon Han said that the advisory is a good first step in outreach and education, and he hopes there is no need to take further measures. 'Hopefully, with these collective efforts, we can work together, and we don't need to take that next step (towards more measures.) As a society, if there is internal motivation to change the way we treat animals, that's the best outcome,' said Dr Teo.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Straits Times
50-year-old woman kept 79 dogs in Sembawang landed home, far exceeding 3-dog limit
Ivan Lim TNP July 25, 2025 A 50-year-old woman has been charged with keeping 79 dogs - mostly miniature poodles - in a landed property in Sembawang without licences and failing to microchip them. Singaporean Julia Moss faces 82 charges, the bulk of which relate to not licensing the dogs, Lianhe Zaobao reported. She is accused of housing the animals at a property along Wak Hassan Drive on Aug 28, 2024 - far exceeding the legal limit of three dogs for a private property. Moss also allegedly failed to meet the deadline to microchip the animals by Aug 27, 2024, a requirement imposed by the Director-General of Animal Health and Welfare on May 29 last year. On Jan 25 this year, she allegedly did not inform the authorities of her plans to relocate the dogs. The address listed in the charge was for another house, also along Wak Hassan Drive. She is further accused of failing to provide the Director-General with the new address where the dogs were moved to, which contravenes the Animals and Birds Act. The case has been adjourned for Moss to engage legal counsel. She is expected to return to court on Aug 20. According to animal welfare organisation Voices For Animals, they managed to rehome 37 of the 79 dogs. For keeping more than three dogs on a private property, Moss faces a fine of up to $5,000. For failing to microchip the dogs as directed, she could be jailed for up to 12 months, fined up to $10,000, or both. Each charge of owning an unlicensed dog carries a fine of up to $5,000. Failing to inform the authorities before relocating the animals could result in a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
New Paper
5 days ago
- New Paper
Woman kept 79 dogs in landed home - far above legal limit of 3
A 50-year-old woman has been charged with keeping 79 dogs - mostly miniature poodles - in a landed property in Sembawang without licences and failing to microchip them. Singaporean Julia Moss faces 82 charges, the bulk of which relate to not licensing the dogs, Lianhe Zaobao reported. She is accused of housing the animals at a property along Wak Hassan Drive on Aug 28, 2024 - far exceeding the legal limit of three dogs for a private property. Moss also allegedly failed to meet the deadline to microchip the animals by Aug 27, 2024, a requirement imposed by the Director-General of Animal Health and Welfare on May 29 last year. On Jan 25 this year, she allegedly did not inform the authorities of her plans to relocate the dogs. The address listed in the charge was for another house, also along Wak Hassan Drive. She is further accused of failing to provide the Director-General with the new address where the dogs were moved to, which contravenes the Animals and Birds Act. The case has been adjourned for Moss to engage legal counsel. She is expected to return to court on Aug 20. According to animal welfare organisation Voices For Animals, they managed to rehome 37 of the 79 dogs. PHOTO: VOICES FOR ANIMALS/FACEBOOK For keeping more than three dogs on a private property, Moss faces a fine of up to $5,000. For failing to microchip the dogs as directed, she could be jailed for up to 12 months, fined up to $10,000, or both. Each charge of owning an unlicensed dog carries a fine of up to $5,000. Failing to inform the authorities before relocating the animals could result in a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
