WE REFER to the article, '15 stitches on toddler's face after attack by cat' (ST, Aug 24).
The Cat Welfare Society and the SPCA would like to express our sympathy for Nicole Lee and her family over what was undoubtedly a very distressing incident.
We would like to reassure the public that cats do not attack without provocation. All animals (including humans) exhibit what is known as the flight-or-fight response - when in danger, they attempt to run away, or, if they are cornered, they fight back.
We are also concerned that there is a family feeding strays right outside their doorstep. Feeding should be done responsibly and never at the doorstep so that it does not bring cats into other neighbours' homes. It should be done in areas with less human traffic and the food should always be cleared up.
We would like to contact the Lees to see if we can work with them to speak with their neighbours. We would appreciate it if they could contact the undersigned at info@catwelfare.org (or the SPCA on 6287-5355).
It is a misconception that feeding is the root cause of the presence of cats in a community. Stopping feeding in a particular area will in no way lead to a fall in the cat population. Cats are territorial and tend to stay put in their territory even if they have to hunt and feed somewhere else. Cats are in an area because of territory; removing them just means more cats will move in.
Hence, it is extremely important to manage the population of cats through a programme of Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage. This has been shown to be the most effective, long-term and humane way to deal with the community-cat population.
With managed, sterilised cats around, looked after by responsible caregivers, accidents like this will hopefully not occur again.
Deirdre Moss (Ms) Executive Officer SPCA
Dawn Kua (Ms) Director of Operations Cat Welfare Society
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Just to share....May be some of you are keen to attend TNRM workshop,the infomation as follows:
The Cat Welfare Society is holding a TNRM workshop open to members of the public to teach the basics of how to set up a TNRM programme in estates. This will include topics such as how to trap, how to mediate and how to work with the town councils, management committees and others. It will also allow caregivers to raise questions and network with other caregivers across the island.
Due to the limited space, please do register with cat Welfare Society by emailing info@catwelfare.org. There is no charge for attending the workshop.
Date : 9th September 2006
Time : 3 - 6 pm
Location : Singapore Management University.
~~~gL
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