A pack of wild dogs in Pasir Ris is being monitored under AVS’ TNRM programme, which plans to trap these animals and re-locate them to suitable homes or locations, following a recent chasing incident.
Residents of Pasir Ris have been dealing with increasing sightings of free-roaming dogs, a situation that has given rise to both concern and interest within the community. As with any dramatic change in an ecosystem, this new surge in the population of wild dogs has had both negative and positive impacts. The Straits Times reports on how the Animal and Veterinary Service’s (AVS) trap-neuter-rehome/manage (TNRM) programme is working towards managing these encounters with wild dogs.
One of these encounters turned heads when a pack of wild dogs was filmed chasing after a jogger in Pasir Ris Drive 3, on Saturday evening. Free roaming dogs’ behaviour is often misinterpreted due to our unfamiliarity, and it’s crucial to take such events into perspective. “Dogs are territorial animals and may bark in response to humans or other animals which are within or are approaching their territories,” explains Dr. Chang Siow Foong, group director of community animal management at AVS.
The AVS shares essential safety measures such as not making sudden movements when meeting free-roaming dogs, avoiding direct eye contact and retreating slowly by speaking softly. These precautions are aimed to help individuals ensure their safety and also to prevent provoking the animals.
The TNRM, a pivotal programme in dealing with the wild dogs, was launched by the AVS in 2018. It has since managed to trap over 3,900 free-roaming dogs and has successfully re-homed or fostered 60% of them. The AVS is planning to monitor and trap and manage the wild dogs in Pasir Ris as part of their ongoing TNRM programme. The dogs that can’t find a home are released at locations far removed from residential areas. Dr. Foong assures, “AVS is aware of this pack of free-roaming dogs… When trapped, these dogs will be managed as part of our ongoing trap-neuter-rehome/release-manage (TNRM) programme.”
The wild dogs of Pasir Ris have undoubtedly caught the attention of many, and their activities have raised questions about the safety of park users. Members of the public who requires assistance may call the AVS’ Animal Response Centre on 1800-476-1600 or contact them at www.avs.gov.sg/feedback.
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