In a case that has sparked public concern over animal welfare in Singapore, a pet groomer has been fined for negligence that led to the tragic death of a corgi named Fendi. Vanessa Chiu Yan Er, the 29-year-old owner of a home-based grooming salon, was fined $10,000 earlier this month after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary pain and suffering to the dog. The incident, captured on CCTV footage, has reignited discussions about the standards of care in the pet grooming industry.
A Fatal Oversight
On July 24, 2024, Chiu was grooming Fendi at her salon, Pawkins SG, located in Serangoon Central. Around 1pm, she left the premises for lunch with her fiancé and another employee, leaving the dog unsecured on a grooming table. According to court documents, Chiu failed to use a double arm lock—a standard safety measure in pet grooming—and instead restrained Fendi with only a leash. Tragically, the corgi fell off the table, becoming entangled by the neck. CCTV footage showed the dog struggling for nearly a minute before it stopped moving. 
Upon returning approximately 45 minutes later, an employee discovered Fendi motionless, hanging off the table. Chiu attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation before rushing the dog to a veterinarian, but efforts to save Fendi were unsuccessful. The heartbreaking incident has since drawn attention to the risks of inadequate safety protocols in pet care businesses.
Legal Consequences and Industry Standards
On April 8, 2025, Chiu pleaded guilty to one count of causing unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal. In addition to the $10,000 fine, she has been disqualified from operating any animal-related business for nine months. The National Parks Board, which oversees animal welfare regulations in Singapore, emphasized the importance of accountability in the industry. “All individuals working in animal-related businesses, including pet groomers, are expected to uphold higher standards of animal welfare, given that they are entrusted with the care of their clients’ animals” the board stated in a release on April 8.
Under Singaporean law, a first-time offender convicted of such an offense can face up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $40,000. Chiu’s penalty, while significant, reflects her lack of prior offenses and her immediate acceptance of responsibility. Her lawyer, Alain Abraham Johns, noted in mitigation that Chiu had groomed Fendi on 12 previous occasions without incident and expressed deep remorse for her carelessness. He added that she has since closed Pawkins SG, refunded clients for pre-paid grooming packages, and covered the costs of Fendi’s medical treatment and cremation.
Public Reaction and Calls for Reform
The case has struck a chord with pet owners across Singapore, where dogs and cats are often treated as cherished family members. Many have taken to social media to express grief over Fendi’s death and frustration with what they perceive as lax oversight in the pet grooming sector. While some acknowledge Chiu’s remorse, others argue that the penalty does not go far enough to deter negligence. The incident has prompted calls for stricter licensing requirements and mandatory training for groomers to ensure they are equipped to prioritize animal safety.
Animal welfare advocates have also weighed in, urging the government to introduce clearer guidelines on safety equipment and supervision in grooming salons. Singapore’s robust legal framework for animal protection is often praised, but cases like this highlight gaps in enforcement and awareness, particularly in home-based businesses which may operate with less scrutiny than larger establishments.
A Personal Loss and Broader Implications
For Chiu, the incident marks not only a professional setback but a personal one. Her lawyer emphasized her love for animals and her devastation over Fendi’s death. Yet, the emotional toll on the dog’s owners, who entrusted Fendi to her care, remains at the forefront of public discourse. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with working in pet care—a field where trust is paramount.
As Singapore continues to grapple with balancing a growing pet care industry with the need for stringent welfare standards, Fendi’s story lingers as a call to action. Pet owners and advocates alike hope that this tragedy will lead to meaningful changes, ensuring that no other animal suffers a similar fate due to preventable oversight.
