Public Outrage Over Off-Leash Dogs

In a growing concern for public safety, residents from Punggol and Sengkang are voicing their frustrations about pet owners who irresponsibly allow their dogs to roam freely in housing estates.

Confrontation: A Standoff in Sengkang

On May 25 at around 10 AM, a heated confrontation unfolded near Block 123B Rivervale Drive in Sengkang. A resident, known as Mukund, confronted a man who let his two small dogs run off-leash. Mukund's innocent inquiry about the man’s lack of restraint was met with an unapologetic, "I will not," and a disdainful, "I don’t care lah!"

As tensions escalated, the man moved closer to Mukund, taking on a perceived threatening tone, which caused the unleashed dogs to react wildly, charging at Mukund. Fortunately, he managed to capture the confrontation on video and subsequently filed a police report.

The Video That Sparked a Debate

In the recorded exchange, the man dismissively challenged Mukund, asking, "What’s your problem?" to which Mukund firmly replied, "You are the problem—leash your dogs in a housing area!" This encounter underscores a growing frustration among residents about the lack of basic courtesy and compliance with the Control of Dogs Act.

Another Incident: Punggol’s Wandering Canine.

In a separate incident, resident Subah reported witnessing a large breed dog, suspected to be a Samoyed or Chow Chow, roaming off-leash at Block 132 Edgedale Plains in Punggol—not just once but twice on the same day, July 9. Subah recorded two videos showing the owner only reining in the dog when he noticed he was being filmed.

Even more alarming, when Subah walked past again later that evening, the dog was once again wandering freely, while its owner was distracted on his phone. "This is not just irresponsible behavior towards others but also a dangerous situation for the dog," Subah stated, highlighting the potential peril of a pet wandering near busy roads.

A Call to Responsibility

Pet owners are legally required to keep their dogs leashed in public spaces, facing fines up to $5,000 for noncompliance. As these incidents continue to fuel public outrage, residents emphasize the need for stricter adherence to these regulations to ensure the safety of both pets and the community.

As the discussions about responsible pet ownership heat up, the unity among residents signals a powerful message: It's time to leash up or face the consequences!