Viral TikTok video shows jogger sprinting away as five dogs bark and chase along Pasir Ris Drive 3.
SINGAPORE: The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) has announced plans to trap and sterilise a pack of wild dogs seen chasing a jogger along Pasir Ris Drive 3. The incident, captured in a widely shared TikTok video, showed a man transitioning from a casual jog to a sprint as five dogs barked and pursued him.
Dr Chang Siow Foong, AVS group director of community animal management, confirmed on Nov 7 that the AVS is actively conducting surveillance and trapping in the area. The dogs will be managed under the Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme, which involves humane trapping, sterilisation, and efforts to rehome the animals.
For dogs that cannot be rehomed, Dr Chang explained, “They will be released at suitable locations, away from residential estates, to live out their lives naturally.” Since its inception in 2018, the TNRM programme has successfully trapped over 3,900 free-roaming dogs, with more than 60% rehomed or fostered.
This is not the first incident involving stray dogs this year. In September, AVS captured two dogs believed to have killed dozens of cats and exhibited aggressive behavior toward residents in several neighborhoods.
Dr Chang noted the challenges in capturing stray dogs, as they are territorial, elusive, and often avoid traps. He emphasized that while some dogs may chase moving objects or bark at humans entering their territory, such behavior varies in intensity, and many dogs tend to be wary of humans or keep their distance.
To safely navigate encounters with free-roaming dogs, AVS advises the public to avoid staring, speak softly, and walk away slowly without sudden movements. For assistance, the public can contact NParks’ 24-hour Animal Response Centre at 1800 476 1600 or reach out to AVS.
