NParks probes Singapore influencer over alleged dog abuse after video sparks outrage

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) has launched an investigation into allegations that local influencer Eunice Ng abused her pet dog.

Ng, popularly known online as Mermaid Girl, supposedly posted a video of someone scolding and hitting a dog on her social media recently.

The probe follows the circulation of a video allegedly taken from her now-deleted Instagram account.

Video resurfaces online

The video was reposted on Reddit on 18 December and has since attracted significant public attention.

It appears to show a person verbally berating a small dog before striking it several times.

In the footage, the person filming is not visible, but a woman’s voice can be heard shouting at the dog as it cowers in a corner near a table.

The individual is heard questioning whether the animal is a “dog or human”.

The voice also scolds the dog for allegedly drinking peach tea, using harsh and demeaning language.

Shortly after, a hand reaches into the frame and hits the dog three times.

@factsgptea Poor doggie looks so TERRIFIED 😭⚠️ #animal #abuse #sg #fyp ♬ original sound - factsgpt

The video rapidly gained traction online, drawing hundreds of comments and widespread condemnation from viewers.

Many described the dog as appearing frightened and defenceless during the incident.

A separate TikTok post later included a comment featuring a photo that appears to show Ng holding the dog.

The image was reportedly taken from Ng’s private Instagram account, although this has not been independently verified.

Public calls for authorities and animal welfare groups to intervene

Public reaction was swift, with numerous social media users calling for immediate action to ensure the dog’s safety.

Many online users also called on animal welfare organisations, including the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), to look into the case.

Some demanded stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws.

 

Beyond the video, commenters raised additional allegations against the influencer.

These included claims of inappropriate past social media posts and the alleged sale of vaping products.

Vaping is illegal in Singapore, where the sale, possession and use of e-cigarettes are prohibited under the law.

Screenshots circulating online show Ng denying that she abused her dog. In her response, she reportedly said the remarks in the video were made out of frustration.

She also stated that she does not believe in what she described as “gentle parenting” for pets.

These statements have drawn further criticism from members of the public.

Reports escalated to authorities

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) confirmed to local media that it had received multiple reports and escalated the matter to the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), which falls under NParks.

NParks’ group director of enforcement and investigation, Jessica Kwok, confirmed that the agency is aware of allegations involving a content creator accused of mistreating a dog.

Kwok also reminded pet owners of their responsibilities, urging them to provide appropriate care and treatment throughout their pets’ lives.