19/06/2020
We share information from NParks and SPCA on how to react if you do encounter community dogs in your neighbourhoods below.
First, know how to react if you encounter a community dog:
1. Stay calm.
2. Do not stare at them. Eye contact may be viewed as a challenge and they could respond aggressively.
3. Fold your arms in front of you and walk away slowly without making any sudden movements. DO NOT run.
Second, please immediately report any sightings of community dogs to the Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 or contact NParks at www.avs.gov.sg/feedback.
Here are some pointers to help you understand their behaviour:
1. Community dogs tend to be wary of humans and are quick to stay out of their way.
2. Community dogs, much like community cats, possess an innate instinct to chase and catch things. This behaviour varies in intensity and not all community dogs would display such characteristics. Some may chase community cats .
3. Some community dogs may also approach and sniff humans, as they use their sense of smell to gather information about people the way people use their sight to gauge what is around them.
4. Dogs are territorial animals and may bark excessively or snarl if people or other animals venture into their perceived territories.
In the event that there are community cats in the same area who may be at risk, please inform CWS at [email protected] as well. We will work with NParks and SPCA on an action plan on how to resolve any potential or realised dog-cat conflicts.