Netizens slam athlete for hit-and-run involving dog

A FORMER world champion 10-pin bowler has been engulfed in an online furore in Singapore over reports that he knocked down a dog with his Porsche and failed to help the animal, which later died.

Photos of the pregnant dog lying on the street after it was struck in the hit-and-run incident on Sunday received widespread attention.

The Porsche Boxster’s licence plate – apparently dislodged from the impact – was left on the road next the animal.

Media reports and an animal rights group identified the driver as Singapore national bowler Remy Ong, 33, who won the singles title at the World Championships in Korea in 2006.

Reports said that Ong, a dogowner himself, had admitted hitting the stray and apologised.

The online criticism centred on Ong not stopping to help the injured dog.

“It’s not just about killing the dog, it’s also about him failing to stop and render assistance when the accident happened,” wrote Tan Chee Kheong on broadcaster Channel Newsasia’s Facebook page.

“It’s not just about compassion, it’s also about moral(ity) and responsibility.”

Reader Ah Kah Kay wrote on the Straits Times newpaper’s Facebook page that Ong, as a national athlete, should be held to a higher standard.

“We expect our athletes to be people of honour and integrity. Remy’s actions reveal a serious character flaw,” Ah Kah Kay said.

But a reader named Sabrecruz, writing on Yahoo! Singapore, defended Ong, saying hit-and-run cases involving animals were common in the city state.

Under Singapore’s Road Traffic Act, anyone involved an accident in which a person or animal is injured is required to stop and help. Drivers who fail to do so can be fined up to S$3,000 (RM7,200) or jailed up to a year.

Police said they were investigating the case but it was not immediately clear if they intended to pursue any action against Ong.