Singapore – Two employees of the renowned dog training company, Xavian and Pack, faced suspension on Monday (15 January) following the circulation of videos on social media allegedly depicting the mistreatment of two dogs.
The videos, shared on Instagram by user monkey_bear2, showed trainers purportedly hitting a black Shiba Inu and forcefully compelling another dog to sit during a photo session. The incidents were reported by monkey_bear2, who claimed to witness the mistreatment near Blocks 39, 40, and 41 at Telok Blangah Rise, as reported by CNA.
In response to the controversy, Xavian and Pack’s founder, Xavian Mar, released a statement on Instagram condemning the “disgustingly inappropriate behavior” displayed in the videos. While clarifying his absence during the incident, Mar announced the suspension of the implicated staff members. He emphasized that such actions contradicted the principles of Xavian and Pack, assuring a comprehensive review of all service aspects to prevent future occurrences.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) addressed the incident in a Facebook post on the same day. Expressing concern over the distress animals endure, SPCA urged pet owners to adopt humane, science-based, and force-free training methods. Emphasizing the significance of positive reinforcement for fostering a loving relationship with pets, SPCA cautioned against violence or intimidation, citing potential long-term health and behavioral issues for animals. The organization encouraged individuals with negative experiences related to the training provider in the video to contact them for further investigation, ensuring the confidentiality of provided information.
