A group of pet dogs was spotted eating raw meat off restaurant plates at a hotpot outlet in Katong, sparking online criticism and hygiene concerns.
The incident later surfaced on social media and drew backlash from netizens who felt the behaviour was inconsiderate to other diners.
Post shared on social media from dogs’ point of view
The dog owner uploaded the post on Instagram on Sept 10, 2025, writing from the pets’ perspective.
According to the post, the dogs had gone for a walk near Kallang Sports Hub before heading to Katong for dinner at a hotpot restaurant.
The caption said the owner ordered three portions of unmarinated meat and cooked them for the dogs to eat.
Photos showed five dogs sitting on chairs and on the floor, with three large plates of raw meat placed on the table.
One video showed a dog eating meat directly off a restaurant plate, licking it clean within seconds.
Netizens raise hygiene concerns
After the video circulated online, many netizens criticised the dog owner for being selfish and not thinking about other customers.
Some also questioned whether the plates would later be reused, raising concerns about cleanliness and food safety.
Manager says all tableware was thrown away
The outlet was later identified as a Shi Li Fang hotpot restaurant at Katong Square.
A reporter from Shin Min Daily News contacted the restaurant’s manager, Mr Han, 39, who said he was present during the incident.
He said that once he noticed the dogs being fed using the restaurant’s plates, he immediately stepped in to stop it.
Mr Han added that he collected and discarded all the tableware from the table, as it was unclear which exact plates had been used to feed the dogs.
Restaurant allows pets but provides disposable pet tableware
Mr Han said the restaurant allows pets at its outdoor seating area.
However, the outlet provides disposable tableware specifically for pets, at no extra charge.
Staff also offer water or ice for pets due to the hot weather, as part of the restaurant’s pet-friendly practices.
At the same time, staff regularly remind pet owners that restaurant plates are meant for human use only.
Notices are also displayed at the outlet to remind customers not to use restaurant tableware to feed pets.
