NParks Working Towards Humane Capture of Bidadari Park Stray Dogs

by drbyos

NParks Aims to Humanely Capture Stray Dogs at Bidadari Park

In a move to address public safety concerns, the National Parks Board (NParks) of Singapore is taking proactive steps to humanely capture a few stray dogs that have been frequenting Bidadari Park. These canines, collectively known as the Bidadari Dogs, have been observed displaying territorial behavior toward park visitors, sparking debate among the community.

Public Safety Takes Precedence

“To ensure public safety, NParks is conducting surveillance and working towards the humane capture of the dogs,” the agency stated in response to inquiries. NParks prioritizes the well-being of visitors and plans to handle the situation with sensitivity and respect for the animals.

Community and Media Reaction

Concern over the fate of the four dogs, named Kalu, White Chest, Pointy, and Floppy, has been on the rise. Some community members have advocated for the dogs to be left alone in what they view as their adopted territory.

However, the recent social media buzz around the dogs, particularly on the account @the.doggie.mommy, has led to some misconceptions and controversy. The Instagram posts have suggested that the area where the dogs reside was “sealed up” by NParks, trapping the animals inside.

Clarification from NParks

NParks provided clarification regarding the measures taken within the park to minimize interactions between the dogs and visitors. “A canvas hoarding has been installed within the park to serve as a ‘visual barrier,’ helping to reduce encounters between the dogs and visitors,” they explained. This barrier does more than just visually discourage access; it also prevents people from wandering off established trails.

Signs have also been erected to guide visitors on appropriate actions when they spot the dogs. These signs offer advice on maintaining a safe distance and avoiding provoking the animals.

The Role of the Visual Barrier

The visual barrier installed by NParks serves a dual purpose. It acts as a physical boundary for park visitors, steering them away from potential areas where encounters with the dogs might occur. Importantly, it does not restrict the dogs’ movement, allowing them to continue roaming in their familiar surroundings as always.

Addressing the Misconception

Contrary to the claims made on Instagram, NParks never intended to confine the dogs or cut off their access to the park. The canvas hoarding merely serves as a tool to enhance visitor safety and decrease the likelihood of confrontation or close encounters with the animals.

“The dogs are free to move in and out of the hoarded-up area,” NParks further affirmed. This arrangement ensures that while visitors can follow designated paths and maintain safety, the animals can remain within their habitat, undisturbed.

Next Steps

As NParks works on the humane capture of the Bidadari Dogs, the community can expect continued efforts to balance the safety concerns of visitors with the welfare of the stray animals. The agency aims to relocate the dogs to a controlled environment where their behavioral tendencies can be carefully monitored and managed.

Visitor Safety Tips

  • Maintain a safe distance: Do not approach the dogs closely. Keep a reasonable distance to avoid provoking any territorial behavior.
  • Follow designated trails: Stick to marked paths within the park to reduce the chance of accidental encounters with the Bidadari Dogs.
  • Report sightings: If you encounter the dogs, inform park staff so they can take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all park users.

Conclusion

The situation at Bidadari Park highlights the challenges of managing stray animals in public spaces. NParks’s initiative demonstrates a commitment to protecting the safety of its visitors while working towards a humane outcome for the territorial Bidadari Dogs.

As the agency proceeds with its plans, it’s crucial for the community to remain informed and supportive of the measures being taken. By following safety guidelines and respecting the park’s efforts, visitors can enjoy their time at Bidadari Park without unnecessary risks.

What Do You Think?

Have you encountered the Bidadari Dogs at Bidadari Park? What are your thoughts on NParks’s approach to handling the situation? Comment below to share your views and join the discussion.

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SINGAPORE: The National Parks Board (NPark) on Tuesday (Feb 11) said it is working towards “humanely” capturing a few stray dogs at Bidadari Park, following feedback that the animals have displayed “territorial behaviour” towards visitors in the area.

Concern over the fate of four canines at the park has mounted in recent weeks, with some calling for them to be left alone. The four – named Kalu, White Chest, Pointy and Floppy – are collectively known as the Bidadari Dogs.

“To ensure public safety, NParks is conducting surveillance and working towards the humane capture of the dogs,” the agency said on Tuesday (Feb 11) in response to CNA’s queries.

A canvas hoarding has been installed within the park to serve as a “visual barrier,” helping to minimise interactions between the dogs and visitors, such as barking.

Signs were also put up to advise visitors on how to manage encounters with the dogs.

NParks said the hoarding prevents the public from entering areas that are off-trail, adding that the dogs are free to move in and out of the hoarded-up area.

Several Instagram posts by the account @the.doggie.mommy had earlier claimed that the area was “sealed up” by NParks, leaving the dogs “no way out”.

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