K Shanmugam weighs in on puppy’s case

SINGAPORE — Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has weighed in on the controversy surrounding a seven-month-old puppy that was put down earlier this month. Writing on his Facebook page, Mr Shanmugam said he had given the puppy's rehomer Ada Ong his views on the contract signed between her and the adopter Alison McElwee, and "suggested to her that she should get a lawyer to pursue this matter". His comments come a day after the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) said the vet had followed protocol in euthanising the puppy and "urged calm by all parties concerned". Mr Shanmugam said Ms Ong had asked him for help, and he has "suggested a lawyer to her who will help her pro bono". "There could be other fees, expenses - Louis ( from (the) Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) who was in the conversation, has said that the money will be raised if necessary," he added. Ms Ong had previously said that she offered to take the puppy, named Tammy, back from Ms McElwee, after the adopter wanted to give up the dog citing aggression. Mr Shanmugam said that he had asked to see the document signed between Ms Ong and Tammy’s adopter. "Ada told me that she made clear to Tammy’s adopter in subsequent conversations that Ada was prepared to take back Tammy. Ada also showed me the SMS exchanges between the adopter and herself, which seems to bear out what Ada says," the minister wrote. On Oct 7, Tammy was euthanised at The Animal Clinic at the request of Ms McElwee, who said that the puppy behaved aggressively and had bitten her children. The case sparked a furore among animal lovers online, which eventually gained national attention.