S'pore bowler faces jail and fine for hit-and-run accident involving dog

SINGAPORE- Singapore national bowler Remy Ong has found himself at the centre of an online furore after he allegedly drove over a pregnant dog in Changi - and then left the scene.

Ong has confirmed the incident with Channel NewsAsia, but said he did not realise he had hit an animal at the time.

A picture showing the injured dog has gone viral online, after a note on the incident was posted on Facebook on the page of a group of cycling enthusiasts, the Singapore Eastern Cyclist.

The car plate in the picture belongs to Ong and had apparently dislodged during the impact.

The post said a group of cyclists had moved the dog to the side of the road, but it reportedly died about 20 minutes later, with two broken legs.

According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the dog was a cross-breed stray, approximately three years old.

The national bowler said he was driving out of the National Service Resort and Country Club at Changi Coast Walk, when he saw the dog rush out from behind a tree at a bend in the road.

Ong said he heard a slight sound but thought the dog's tail had brushed against his car, and so he continued driving. He added he felt uneasy and later returned to the scene. That was when he realised what had happened.

Ong said he waited with the crowd until a rescuer from the SPCA arrived. He said he left when the dog was taken away, and that he accepts responsibility for the matter.

The SPCA said it will be taking a statement from Ong. The SPCA said drivers who hit animals should stop and give help.

Under the Road Traffic Act, those involved in a hit-and-run accident could be fined up to S$3,000 or jailed up to a year. This applies even if the victim is an animal.

For a subsequent conviction, a person can be fined up to S$5,000 or jailed up to two years.

Police said they received a call about the incident at 1.07pm, and is looking into the matter.

Info : News