SINGAPORE – Colourful water beads, which swell when exposed to moisture, were recently found inside a dog corral set up by the National Parks Board (NParks) at Bidadari Park. The discovery has alarmed animal caretakers who fear the beads could endanger stray dogs in the area.
The corral is part of NParks’ ongoing efforts to trap and remove stray dogs from Bidadari Park following public complaints. Trappers regularly place food and water in the enclosure to lure the dogs.
Animal caretaker Jermaine Chua, known for running the “Doggie Mommy” Instagram account, first raised the issue in a post on May 6. She shared a photo showing numerous water beads scattered inside the corral and expressed deep concern over the potential harm to the animals.
“We found quite a number of these mysterious ‘water beads’ inside the corral,” Chua wrote. “We do not know if any of the dogs have already ingested them.”
Chua warned that these beads pose a serious threat. Once swallowed, they can expand and lead to choking or dangerous intestinal blockages. While not all types are toxic, some water beads contain acrylamide, a substance known to be both a carcinogen and a neurotoxin.
“Why are these dangerous beads in the corral? Who put them there? Who is trying to harm the Bidadari dogs?” she asked.
In a follow-up post on May 12, Chua said her team had contacted NParks immediately after the discovery and called for a full investigation into how the beads ended up inside the enclosure.
She also shared a video of a dog passing rainbow-coloured beads, suggesting it may have mistaken them for food.
“Water beads, also known as Orbeez, are dangerous to pets and may result in death,” she wrote. “Pet owners, please keep these dangerous water beads away from your pets.”
NParks’ Stray Dog Management Plan
The stray dog group has lived in Bidadari for nearly 10 years. NParks began removal efforts after receiving over 60 complaints from park users. About 20 incidents involved reports of dogs chasing people. In one case, a child was injured while running away, though no direct attacks have been reported.
In response, NParks installed a U-shaped blue canvas barrier to reduce interaction between dogs and the public. It also began using humane trapping methods similar to those under its Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) programme.
The corral, resembling a playpen, was placed near the dogs’ usual feeding area. It contains kibble, water, and surveillance cameras to help dogs get used to the space.
Calls for More Humane Solutions
Chua and other dog caretakers have urged NParks to reconsider its approach. In an open letter published in March, they called for alternatives to trapping. They pointed out that the current visual barrier has helped reduce contact between dogs and visitors.
If the setup continues to be effective, Chua suggested NParks explore a permanent barrier as a long-term solution.
“Such an approach would address public safety concerns while allowing the dogs to remain in a designated area—offering stability and harmonious co-existence,” the letter said.
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