In February 2016, Chng Leng Khim (43-year-old then), was sentenced to 10 days’ imprisonment for animal cruelty. She was also fined $3,100 for failing to comply with order to assist in investigation and for failing to license her pet dogs.
After Chng appealed, the High Court set aside her plea of guilt and sent the case for a re-trial.
At the conclusion of the re-trial, Chng was convicted. Chng was sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment for animal cruelty today. She was also fined $6,000 for failing to comply with order to assist in investigation and for failing to license her pet dogs.
Case Details
On 12 June 2013, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) was informed by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Singapore of a stray black Poodle at Paya Lebar Crescent. Based on the Poodle’s microchip, AVA established its owner to be Chng.
As the Poodle was emaciated and infested with ticks, AVA investigated for animal cruelty.
During Investigations, AVA found that Chng had two other pet dogs (a Chow Chow and a Bullmastiff), which were thin and tick-infested. The investigation also showed that all three dogs were unlicensed as well. Chng also failed to comply with AVA’s order to assist in the investigation.
While the investigation was ongoing, the dogs were cared for by AVA. However, as the Bullmastiff developed severe health issues, it had to be humanely put down. AVA worked with the Voices For Animals, an animal welfare group, to rehome the Poodle and Chow Chow in February 2014. Subsequently, Chng was arrested and charged in court.
AVA would like to remind the public that animal cruelty is an offence. A pet is a lifelong commitment and potential owners should seriously consider the many responsibilities involved before getting a pet. AVA condemns acts of animal cruelty and will investigate all feedback on alleged cruelty. Enforcement action will be taken against anyone who has committed an act of animal cruelty and will press for deterrent sentences, if warranted.
Anyone found guilty of animal cruelty can be fined up to $15,000 and/or jailed up to 18 months, or both for the first offence. For second and subsequent offences, the maximum penalty is $30,000 or a jail term of up to 3 years, or both.
Safeguarding animal welfare is a shared social responsibility which requires the cooperation of all stakeholders. Members of the public can play their part and contact AVA at 1800-476-1600 to report cases of animal cruelty.
All information shared with AVA will be held in the strictest confidence.
