A condominium in Hougang has recently banned dog-walking on its premises after uncleared faeces were found on the lawns and amenities. In response, over 90 dog owners have submitted a petition protesting the decision, according to Shin Min Daily News. Residents of Riverfront Residences at Hougang Avenue 7 received a notice from the management at the end of August 2024, prohibiting them from walking their dogs on the ground floor due to damage caused by dog urine and faeces.
Background
Riverfront Residences, a relatively new condominium, has faced issues with dog owners not cleaning up after their pets, leading to damage on the lawns and amenities. The management’s decision to ban dog-walking aims to address these concerns. However, this move has sparked significant backlash from the residents, who argue that the rule is unfair to responsible dog owners.
Inconvenient
Since the new rule was instituted, residents now have to walk their dogs through an underground parking lot to exit the property’s gated compound. This parking lot is busy and dimly lit, without a dedicated path, making it “not a good place to walk your dog,” according to Liu, a 46-year-old resident. Other dog owners have also expressed frustration. A 41-year-old resident mentioned that she moved from a public housing flat to the condominium specifically to raise her golden retriever and would not have chosen this property had she known about such a pet-unfriendly rule.
Residents’ concerns
Huang, another resident, shared that her 13-year-old dog has poor mobility and can only go out for short walks. “It’s been very inconvenient,” she said. “The management should solve the root problem and clamp down on the irresponsible dog owners, instead of punishing everyone.” Liu agreed, adding that most dog owners in the condominium are responsible. She noted that it was only a few “bad apples” who did not clean up after their dogs. “The condo was built just last year. Since moving in, I’ve seen dog faeces on the lawn two or three times,” she said.
Management’s response
Fathership has reached out to Riverfront Residences for comment. The management has yet to respond to the residents’ petition or provide any alternative solutions to address the issue of uncleared dog faeces. The residents hope that a more targeted approach can be implemented to hold irresponsible dog owners accountable without penalising the entire community.
Future implications
The situation at Riverfront Residences highlights the challenges of managing communal living spaces where pet ownership is common. As more condominiums and housing developments emerge, the need for clear and fair pet policies becomes increasingly important. The outcome of this dispute may set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in other residential areas. Residents are keenly awaiting the management’s next steps, hoping for a resolution that balances the needs of both pet owners and the broader community.
