The SPCA continues to take in a large number of unwanted animals and our efforts continue to focus on reducing the number of strays. The problem of strays, however, is a complex one that requires a multi-faceted approach.
In May 2003, the Agri-food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) cancelled the Stray Cat Rehabilitation Scheme, which sterilises strays before reintroducing them back to public places. The SPCA wrote in to the Ministry of National Development, stating that ending the scheme was shortsighted and premature and that an intensive sterilisation effort would have yielded significant results. The Ministry's response was that while 16 Town Councils support the sterilisation of stray cats by animal welfare groups, they do not wish for the sterilised cats to be released back into public housing estates.
The authorities' approach of intensified culling in place of the rehabilitation scheme is not a humane and sustainable solution. Culling cats over many decades has not reduced the number of strays. In fact, numbers seem to have increased from 20 years ago. The SPCA took in 6,017 cats in the year ending 30 June 2004 compared to 3,638 cats in the year ending 30 June 1985. This is an increase of about 60 per cent. Sterilising stray cats is a more humane and effective solution, one which permits the animals to live out their lives, and would dramatically reduce the numbers being reproduced.
The SPCA continues its commitment to sterilising strays in an effort to reduce the stray population. In 2005, the SPCA distributed 1395 vouchers to the public for the purpose of sterilising stray animals at selected veterinary clinics; the cost is borne by the SPCA. A total of 362 stray animals were sterilised at the SPCA clinic in the same year.
The SPCA urges authorities to urgently consider more preventive measures and a more humane solution to killing thousands of innocent lives, year after year - an approach that time has proven does not work. In May 2005, the SPCA wrote to the Ministry of National Development with a list of recommendations which we believe must go hand in hand with education to effectively reduce the numbers of strays.
The recommendations include:
a) Microchipping of all pets, which holds owners accountable in the event that a pet is found on the streets.
b) Allowing cats (which are ideal apartment dwellers) to be kept in HDB apartments on the strict proviso that they must be microchipped, sterilised and not allowed to wander. If any of the rules are breached, owners will have to remove the animals.
c) Keeping of medium-sized cross breeds of dog in HDB apartments provided they are microchipped, sterilised and not allowed to stray. If any of the rules are breached, owners will have to remove the animals.
d) Re-introduction of the Stray Cat Rehabilitation Scheme.
e) Restricting the number of pets imported, bred and sold commercially and implementing strict criteria for those applying for a licence to breed animals.
f) Sale of pets restricted to those aged 16 and above. The SPCA has come across cases whereby children have purchased birds, fish and small animals without their parents being present.
In June 2005, the Ministry replied with a letter maintaining its stance that cats and medium-sized dogs will be prohibited in HDB flats. However, the Ministry did say that all imported dogs are required to be microchipped as part of its import conditions.
The Ministry also stated that the AVA is currently conducting case studies in select areas to identify best practices in managing stray cats. There was no mention of resuming the Stray Cat Rehabilitation Scheme.
The letter mentioned that the AVA will consider imposing restrictions on direct sale of pets to children below a certain age.
In November 2005, the AVA announced that all newly licensed dogs - including locally bred ones - have be microchipped to deter pet abandonment and facilitate the return of lost animals.
The SPCA, in 2006, has continued to pursue the matter with the Ministry of National Development and the AVA, for a more humane solution to help address the overpopulation of pets and strays in Singapore. The SPCA is requesting that the Stray Cat Rehabilitation Scheme be re-introduced, review of the HDB ruling on the prohibition of cats and medium-sized cross breeds of dog, placing a curb on the number of pet shops selling pets and restricting numbers of pets imported, bred and sold commercially.
Another problem which was raised was the fact that there are thousands of Red-eared Sliders (terrapins) imported into Singapore every month. These pets are often abandoned when they grow bigger, and are released into reservoirs, ponds and temples by their owners. This will ultimately disrupt the eco-system and affect Singapore's indigenous species, the Slider being a hardy and aggressive animal which adapts well in the wild.
AVA has replied that it believes that education is the key to arresting the pet abandonment and stray animal problem in the long term and has been intensifying its efforts to promote greater awareness about responsible pet ownership. AVA also stated that Singapore operates on a free market system and that it would not be appropriate for the Government to restrict the number of pets imported, bred and sold commercially as long as the businesses are legal and compliant with prevailing regulations and conditions.
In relation to the issue of the keeping of cats and medium-sized dogs in HDB flats, AVA has discussed this with HDB on previous occasions and relayed that HDB has to consider the sentiments of the majority of HDB residents in setting its policies and rules; not all residents like cats and dogs or are comfortable with neighbours keeping such pets. This, according to AVA, gave rise to HDB's current policy on prohibiting cats and medium sized dogs in HDB flats.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
The SPCA urges members of the public to write in to the Minister for National Development (at the address below) to appeal for a more humane solution to solving the surplus stray and pet population in Singapore.
Minister for National Development,
Mr. Mah Bow Tan
Ministry of National Development
5 Maxwell Road #21-00
Tower Block, MND Complex
Singapore 069110
Alternatively, you could also send an email to the Minister's office at: mah_bow_tan@mnd.gov.sg
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