A family shared their dismay online after discovering that the dead dog body, their pet Shih Tzu Cindy was thrown away in a trash compactor after dying at a void deck in Toa Payoh. The family called on various authorities for an explanation, hoping better protocols would be implemented to avoid such mishaps.

The dead dog’s owner explained what happened in a Facebook post on May 26, noting that Cindy had passed away “due to misadventure” at the void deck of Block 214 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh. “We were all out for work, so we only knew she was missing after we returned,” said the owner.

The family sent out flyers hoping to find Cindy and later got word from the Bishan Toa Payoh Town Council’s EMSU (Essential Maintenance Service Unit) that Cindy’s body was taken away. “But we were not sure where,” the owner noted.

The following morning, they learned that the dead dog, Cindy was thrown into a trash compactor as “no one claimed the body.”

“With no calls, indications or signs where to retrieve her, a six-hour window was all it took for a town council officer to decide that a trash compactor was the right place to dispose of our dog,” the owner said.

The family explained that Cindy was clearly not a stray, as she was microchipped, and her collar had their contact details.

“Body was taken, collar was left behind by cleaner for us to find, at the same spot she was found,” said the owner, noting that the respective authorities made “no efforts to check the collar” and contact the family.

Despite reaching out to the TC officer, the cleaner involved, and the supervisor of the trash disposal area, the family was unable to retrieve Cindy’s body.

“We gave our points above, but currently, we have filed a complaint to AVS (Animal and Veterinary Service) and is currently investigating with the TC,” the owner said.

He admitted failing to bring Cindy back home to rest and that no pet deserves to be treated like rubbish.

“We cannot do much for her at this point. But we can prevent this from happening.”

The family called on the respective authorities for some answers on what happened. “This is no way to treat our pets, even if they have passed. And unless we have answers and accountability taken by the necessary parties, I will not hesitate to blow this matter over personally from the top down,” said the owner.

Netizens expressed mixed reactions to the incident, some siding with the owners that the TC should be held accountable, while others wondered how Cindy got to the void deck in the first place.

“How did Cindy end up in the void deck? That incident culminated in her death and her inappropriate disposal. Pet owners also need accountability,” said Facebook user Cheryl Sim. /TISG