If you’re a dog owner, mainly residing near Kovan, chances are you’re already familiar with the recent dog fatalities.
This tragic incident has been associated with reports of multiple dogs falling victim to poisoning, and some have even lost their lives.
In October, some dog owners deeply affected by this incident turned to social media platforms to share their experiences and issue a warning to their fellow dog owners across Singapore.
To safeguard the welfare of other dogs, the owners also put up several warning signs at the entrance gate of the field as a cautionary measure, alerting them that there is the presence of hazardous substances that may pose a threat to their pets.
The signs also provide information about early warning signs for dogs, such as hysterical barking, trembling, and seizures.
Dogs Died After Playing at Kovan Field
The unfortunate sequence of events began with the passing of a Cavachon on 5 October 2023, followed by a Bernedoodle the following day.
Both incidents took place in fields believed to be situated in Kovan.
These fields have been identified as Parry Field, Parry Avenue, Philips Avenue, Sandilands Road, and other surrounding areas.
It was reported that two of the dogs were nibbling on the grass while playing on the field.
However, just a few hours later, they died, allegedly due to poisoning.
Parry Avenue Field to Reopen on 19 November 2023
Well, the field in Parry Avenue is scheduled to reopen on Sunday (19 November 2023), following its temporary closure due to the passing of three dogs.
This decision comes in light of a thorough investigation that found no evidence of contamination in the grassy area.
Responding to inquiries, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) and the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) issued a joint statement confirming that no additional cases have been reported since.
According to the statement from AVS, the investigation first began on 7 October 2023, following reports of the death of three dogs who had frequented the field and its surroundings.
No Similar Cases Reported in Other Areas in Singapore
NEA said that it has conducted comprehensive testing of environmental samples taken from both the field and its surrounding areas.
During the investigation, the authorities spoke with the dog owners and consulted with the veterinarians.
They cordoned off the site to facilitate their inquiries as part of the safety measures.
Additionally, the authorities took proactive steps by issuing an advisory to all licensed veterinarians in Singapore.
They also reached out to dog owners residing in the Parry Avenue vicinity, situated off Yio Chu Kang Road, urging them to report any similar cases.
The agencies report that no similar incidents have been brought to their attention in the vicinity or elsewhere across Singapore.
However, since two of the deceased dogs had already been cremated before the investigation began, laboratory tests to determine the cause of their illnesses and death were not possible.
Third Dog Didn’t Die Due to Poisoning
While the first two dogs’ fatalities were linked to poisoning, the third dog is believed not to have died for the same reason.
The third dog, a Husky, died on 5 October 2023.
A thorough examination of the dog’s remains at the AVS, including an analysis of samples to detect potential toxins, revealed no evidence of poisoning.
Furthermore, the dog’s activities around the field were limited to the vicinity, and there were also no reported seizures in the dog.
The statement also clarified that no recent vector-control treatment, which could potentially be a source of contamination, had been conducted within the field.
Reader: What is the vector-control treatment?
Well, vector-control treatment typically involves spraying insecticides to curb mosquito breeding.
The investigation into this situation involved rigorous testing of environmental samples taken from both the field and its surroundings, specifically to detect any toxic substances that could have played a role in the dogs’ death.
These tests did not yield any evidence of poison or harmful substances capable of causing harm to the dogs.
In response to inquiries, AVS and SLA disclosed that they had collected and tested over 100 soil samples as part of their investigation.
As a precautionary measure, the authorities also advised dog owners to exercise vigilance when their pets are in public areas. This includes ensuring dogs are leashed to minimise the risk of injury.
If you have a hunch that your dog might have been poisoned, taking immediate action is crucial.
The first step is contacting a veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately. They will require essential details like the food your dog has eaten, the location of their last playtime, when the symptoms began, and any noticeable shifts in behaviour.
Although you might be tempted to take matters into your own hands, staying away from DIY remedies without seeking professional guidance is advisable.
Signs of poisoning can manifest in various ways, including vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, seizures, trembling, and more.