In a distressing incident on January 9, four rottweilers broke through a defective gate at a residence in Sennett Road, Singapore, and attacked a labrador retriever named Hobbit during her evening walk. Hobbit sustained severe injuries, including bites on her neck, shoulder, rear end, and a torn ear. Ms Song Ming Shi, Hobbit’s owner, recounted the chaotic scene, stating that her domestic helper and the dog were ambushed by the rottweilers around 9:20 pm.
The attack prompted Ms Song to rush outside in a panic, attempting to ward off the aggressive dogs. Unable to grip them due to the absence of collars, she used a nearby dustbin to deter the rottweilers, who relentlessly pulled Hobbit in different directions. In a moment of desperation, Ms Song threw herself over the labrador, shielding her from further harm. A vigilant neighbor facilitated their escape by partially opening his gate, allowing Ms Song and Hobbit to seek safety.
Following the attack, Hobbit was promptly taken to Gaia Veterinary Centre, where she underwent stabilization and received medical care, incurring a vet bill exceeding $3,000. Ms Song, who also suffered injuries to her heel and ankle, sought treatment at Tan Tock Seng Hospital the next day.
Ms Song expressed disappointment when the owners of the rottweilers proposed settling the matter privately, considering the severity of Hobbit’s injuries and her rushed visit to the vet. Reports have been filed with both the police and the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), with investigations underway.
Ms Marissa Leow, the owner of the rottweilers, attributed the incident to a malfunctioning gate lock, which allowed the dogs to escape. She characterized it as an unfortunate accident, emphasizing their lack of awareness regarding the gate’s condition. Ms Leow expressed regret over the incident and conveyed a desire to speak to Hobbit’s owner, acknowledging the emotional distress caused.
Ms Jessica Kwok, group director for AVS, affirmed that investigations are ongoing, and under the Animals and Birds Act, an errant dog owner may face a maximum composition fine of $1,000. Ms Song hopes for the rehabilitation rather than euthanasia of the rottweilers, placing responsibility on the owners rather than the dogs themselves.
