A video shared on the Sgfollowsall Instagram account on April 5 showed a male dog trainer in Singapore hitting a yellow Labrador dog during a group walk with other trainers. The trainer was seen slapping the side of the dog’s muzzle, causing the Labrador to cower.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has stated that it will be escalating the case to the authorities. The dog training provider, K9 Matters, issued a statement on their Instagram account claiming that the dog was displaying aggressive behavior due to reactivity towards another dog, and the trainer was handling only one other dog at the same time.
K9 Matters stated that the owner of the Labrador is aware of their methods and supports their approach as the dog is undergoing rehabilitative training. However, the SPCA has urged pet carers to use science-based and force-free training methods, stating that punitive measures have no place in animal training.
The SPCA recommended increasing the dog’s distance from the trigger instead of hitting the dog and continuing with the walk. The SPCA is working with relevant authorities to gather evidence for further action and encourages those with negative experiences with the training provider to reach out to them.
K9 Matters states on its website and Instagram account that it is an accredited trainer under the National Parks Board’s Animal & Veterinary Service, and its trainer has over 10 years of experience. However, the use of punitive measures in animal training has been criticized by the SPCA and other animal welfare organizations.