A recent incident at a home-based pet grooming salon has made headlines as the manager faces charges stemming from the tragic death of a dog. Vanessa Chiu Yan Er, 29, who co-owns Pawkins SG, was charged on 11 December 2024 with causing unnecessary pain and suffering to a three-year-old corgi named Fendi.
The Incident
The distressing event occurred on 24 July 2024, when Fendi, under Chiu’s care, fell off a grooming table. Court documents reveal that Chiu allegedly failed to secure the dog properly with a “double arm lock” and left it unattended. This negligence resulted in Fendi being hanged by its leash for an extended duration.
Viral Video Evidence
The incident gained widespread attention after a video surfaced online, timestamped at 1:42 PM, showing Fendi struggling to get back on the table before ultimately becoming motionless. Meanwhile, a second video, recorded earlier, captured a woman entering the room at 2:17 PM, belatedly attempting to assist the distressed dog.
- Key Timings:
- 1:42 PM: Fendi falls off the table.
- 2:17 PM: Chiu enters the room.
- 3:14 PM: Fendi’s owner, Ms Sonia Tan, is informed of the dog’s death after it was taken to a veterinary clinic.
Legal Consequences
Chiu’s case will be revisited in court on 15 January 2025. Under Singaporean law, a first-time offender convicted of causing unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal can face up to two years in prison and fines of up to $40,000.
This case raises serious questions about animal welfare standards in grooming salons. As pet ownership continues to grow in Singapore, it’s crucial for such establishments to ensure the highest standards of care for our furry friends.