SINGAPORE: A pet groomer pleaded guilty on Tuesday ( Mar 11 ) over the death of a dog she left unattended on the grooming table , in July 2024.
Vanessa Chiu Yan Er, 29, had been accused of failing to secure a dog with a double-arm switch, resulting in the canine slipping off the cleaning table and hanging by its throat from its leash for an extended period, and finally dying.  ,
The jury heard that on the day of Jul 24, 2024, Chiu had been grooming the puppy named Fendi , at her home-based dog grooming shop – Pawkins SG.
At about 1pm, she left for a meal split with her fiancé and an individual.
Before leaving, Chiu performed some place washing but did not secure Fendi with a double-arm switch. She merely secured the puppy with a short leash.
According to the trial, the common practice is to keep the puppy on the floor if unattended. But, if it has to be left on a table, the dog may be secured.  ,
The three of them went to a coffee shop for breakfast, leaving the canines in the salon , unattended for 45 days.  ,
At 1.45pm, the pups started to howl eagerly.  , Closed-circuit broadcast images shared on social media showed the dog with a collar around its chest that was attached to a grooming shoulder meant to hold it in place.
The dog after fell off the table and was hanged by the throat until it died.
When Chiu’s individual returned, she found the dog still and called for help.  ,
Chiu checked for a signal and attempted respiratory treatment. Along with her fiancé, Chiu rushed Fendi to a clinical evacuation center. But the puppy was indifferent and had no rhythm.
Seeking a fine of between S$ 16, 000 ( US$ 12, 020 ) and S$ 20, 000 as well as a disqualification period of 12 months, an NParks prosecutor said that Chiu should be held to a higher standard as she is a trained pet groomer and a partner and owner of the grooming salon.  ,
The trial added that public deterrence is needed to teach and hinder like-minded offenders.
Citing a CNA content published in Aug 2024, he said the situation had caused people discomfort and unease and that there were at least seven different cases of cruelty of animals making the headlines in 2024.  ,
In response, the prosecutor said if the trial intends to continue with the debate that there has been an increase in the occurrence of such circumstances, fresh facts and figures are needed.  ,
In seeking a lighter sentence for his client, Mr Alain Abraham Johns agreed that Chiu had failed to secure Fendi in a correct clothing, but she did not intend to produce the canine any damage.  ,
” This was an innocent error with a really horrible consequence”, he said.
” She offers no reason, it was a mistake. She should have double-arm locked Fendi but because of work and ( in her ) haste of doing certain things, she omitted to doing so”.
He sought for a great of S$ 3, 000 and a dismissal of nine months.
Mr Johns said that Chiu is an pet lover and don’t accept herself for making an error which resulted in a loss of life, adding that she is profoundly regretful.  ,
The situation has been adjourned to Apr 8 for prevention and punishment.  ,