A woman vilified online for injuring a dog in an accident at Pasir Ris two Sundays ago has proclaimed her innocence.
Netizens had reacted strongly after posts made by Animal Lovers League and its volunteer Lixin Tan alleged that the driver of a car with the number plate SJR9248E had run over one of its shelter dogs, Sayang.
The woman had driven off after allegedly saying “it’s just a dog” during the incident at Pasir Ris Farmway 3 at about 10.45am.
Netizens took it upon themselves to out the alleged driver and posted pictures of the car owner Soon Kim Choo, along with her personal details.
Read also: Dog hit by car in Pasir Ris should recover from injuries
In a media statement to The New Paper, Ms Soon said she had made a police report against the posts and also denied being the driver or being in the car at the time of the incident.
She said she was informed of the incident by the driver, who has also filed a police report.
“Several untruthful posts of me have tarnished my name and affected my livelihood, hurting me and my family in the process, merely over unverified information,” said Ms Soon.
“The company I represent has also suffered loss of reputation and goodwill. My colleagues have been adversely affected as well.”
Ms Soon said she hopes the malicious comments will cease as “there is no more basis for vigilante action”.
Her lawyer James Ow Yong, in response to TNP’s queries on the driver’s identity, said: “Our client was not present and does not have first-hand information.”
Under the law, motorists are required to help when they hit and injure an animal. Failure to stop and help can result in a fine not exceeding $3,000, or a jail term not exceeding 12 months.
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This article was first published on Nov 1, 2016.
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