Second dog maimed by illegal trap

Straits Times 23 Aug 09;

Since The Straits Times highlighted the plight of a stray dog whose leg was caught in an illegal trap two months ago, another dog has fallen victim in the same area.

The second dog, named Mimi by volunteers at Action For Singapore Dogs (ASD), was found two weeks ago with its front leg mangled. The leg had to be amputated.

Mr Ricky Yeo, president of ASD, said Mimi had not showed up at the regular feeding spot near a forested area in Lim Chu Kang for two weeks.

On Aug 10, while ASD volunteers were doing their feeding rounds, Mimi limped out, its front leg stripped of skin and with bones showing. The dog was also suffering from severe heartworm infection.

After the first dog, Kiwi, was found with its hind paw severed, the animal welfare group made a police report and alerted the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA).

Its volunteers also dismantled two traps that they found.

AVA told The Sunday Times that it did not find any traps in the area.

It is an offence to set traps - to catch protected wild animals - which could also endanger human life or cause grievous hurt. The maximum fine is $1,000 or a jail term of up to six months, or both.

AVA said it is monitoring the situation and is asking the public to contact the agency on 6471-9987 if they have any information on these illegal traps.