Verdict of Negligence We deeply regret the accident. Our officers did not conceive that a person could be amidst stray dogs in the desolate area. AVA once again extends its deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family of the late Mr Lim Cheng Choon.
AVA will do its best to ensure that such an unfortunate accident will not happen again. Stray dogs are currently being caught by lasso. Since the accident, AVA has suspended the shooting of stray dogs. We have reviewed our safety guidelines with the help of the Singapore Police Force. Shooting will only be considered in very exceptional circumstances where there is no other solution to an intractable and dangerous problem, and the stray/feral dogs pose an immediate danger to the public.
We would like to emphasize that the stray problem is best controlled by inculcating responsible pet ownership in the public. AVA will continue to actively promote responsible pet ownership at its Centre for Animal Welfare and Control and will also work together with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Singapore Kennel Club, and Singapore Veterinary Association to promote responsible pet ownership. Much will be achieved if pet owners are responsible and do not contribute to the stray problem by allowing their pets to stray or by abandoning them or their
puppies.
Issued by Agri-food & Veterinary Authority
on 11 Sep 2000.
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