A confrontation between a group of dog lovers and the proprietors of a shady pet boarding facility along Galistan Avenue yesterday turned ugly, prompting police officers and paramedics to be deployed to the scene.
The squabble? A woman who left her seven-year-old Shetland sheepdog under the care of Platinium Dogs Club is searching for answers after her pet was nowhere to be found at the premises. Elaine Mao was one of many dog owners who claimed that their pets were mistreated by employees of Platinium — one Jack Russell Terrier even died after staying at the facility, according to its owner who spoke to Yahoo News Singapore.
The drama that unfolded at 7 Galistan Avenue was documented by Voices for Animals founder Derrick Tan, who was at the scene yesterday to offer his support. Prior to the incident yesterday, the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) acted on several complaints and conducted a raid at Platinium’s premises over the past couple of days, where they found 18 dogs and a rabbit. AVA has taken temporary custody of the animals until their owners return.
Mao’s dog, however, was nowhere to be found. Thus why she went down to Platinium to get answers. In a video captured by Tan, Mao can be seen pleading the boarder to tell her what happened to her dog. Even as Mao begged on her knees for answers, the seemingly heartless Platinium proprietor known as Charlotte Liew refused to say anything.
According to Tan, many dog owners have complained about their pets suffering under the care of Liew. Platinium was even said to have cremated some of its clients’ dogs without their knowledge or consent. Yahoo News confirmed that Mobile Pet Cremation Services had actually handled the cremation for three dogs from the Platinium premises last month.
The police were called to the scene after getting a call about a group of people who were obstructing the driveway of 7 Galistan Avenue. While Liew attempted to leave the compound, the car she was in reversed and hit a 40-year-old man from the group. The victim had to be conveyed by ambulance to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital for treatment, according to a police statement.
Police investigations are currently ongoing, with the group of people as well as the driver of the vehicle being questioned. A petition was launched in response to the Platinium Dogs Club case, calling for stiffer punishment against animal abuse in Singapore.
As for Mao, her heartbreaking ordeal continues. In another video captured by her friend, Mao can be seen crying out for answers at the premises, wanting to know what happened to Prince, her dog.
“Dead,” someone from inside the facility can be heard yelling out.
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