September 29, 2006

We waited for about half an hour

with Sunny-boy and his sis before Scruffy turned up with her mate. We had already suspected that this male could have been the father of Scott, Eliza, Jean-Paul and gang. He could also jolly well be the father of Scruffy's first litter which was never found.

Sunny's sis is just like their mom - staying out of reach. Coming just close to get some titbits we throw on the ground near us. Never letting anyone of us touch them.



Mommy and daughter, both out of reach.












We tried for nearly an hour to get Scruffy but she was crafty, standing just beyond our grasp. When she sensed that we were trying to get her, she stayed just that bit further from us. When it turned dark, it was not possible to get her anymore. We'll try again!

The happy faces of Sunny-boy :)

Our boy is such a darling. Just looking at him makes me smile. He has such a sweet, endearing and trusting nature, it makes you want to hold him close and bring him home.

Sunny-boy is a good candidate for rehoming. But seeing him so happy where he is, under the huge sky of nature, I caught mself wondering what happiness is - in his eyes.

Then, looking at these pictures of him again, sitting so at ease, simply enjoying the cool wind in his little face, isn't it all so clear? Joy is beaming up his entire face. He is smiling. He is happy. Just where he is.




This evening, we will also try

to get Scruffy and the other Mommy Dog (Scott's mom). Few days ago, one of the neighbours' dogs got too interested in both of them. We think they could be on heat again.

Scott will be moving

to his new foster home this evening. His current family has tried to make things work, but unfortunately, Scott does not fit well into their picture at this period. Most of the time he is left all to himself for most of the day. For such a young, exuberant fellow, solitude is not a good mate.

At his new foster, the good things is he will be having 2 new pals. So during the day, the 3 dogs will have one another for company. I'm sure Scott will welcome this change and maybe, he will learn some doggy manners from the resident Pom! We were told she is the disciplinarian.

AVA Responsible Pet Ownership

This weekend, drop by Ngee Ann Civic Plaza (outdoor arena of Takashimaya) for the AVA Responsible Pet Ownership roadshow. Various animal welfare groups will be present.

Coming towards end of the year, where pets are sometimes deemed as 'gifts' for festivities, the theme this year is "Don't Get Pets On Impulse!".

Pets are your lifetime commitment. Do not get one on the spur of excitement. They don't deserve that kind of callous attitude.


http://www.ava.gov.sg/NR/rdonlyres/9253E7B2-E57D-4992-982C-1304E73748D6/11628/RPORoadshowOct06.pdf

September 25, 2006

"..... not for the dark side of human nature,

but for the promise of life's possibility".

The promise of life's possibility.

The beauty of these words holds immense meaning for me at this moment.

I ask myself - have I, in this course of animal welfare pursuit, been focusing all my energy on looking out for the bad.... have I been too obsessed by a need to persecute the culprits... have I gone obstinate in this undercover for truth.

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with the above. There is a place for law and order. Only thing is - I must remind myself that animal welfare is not all about condemning the bad, but also, if not, MORE SO, of praising the GOOD. Of looking around us and looking out for the good. And when we see it, be honest and bold enough to praise it.

- When you see your neighbour's dog being so well-cared for and loved, and you realise you have never praise him for it, go praise him today!

- When you see a stranger enjoying a walk with his pet in the park and the dog looks obviously happy being out and about, praise the owner and encourage him to continue this lovely relationship with his pet.

- When you next visit a petshop and see that they make full efforts to ensure the animals are in good condition with ample space, praise them and tell them to keep up the good work!

- When you see a kid being gentle with an animal, praise him/her! Your encouraging words could be laying forth a clear path for this kid to grow up with a solid sense of his/her close connection to all forms of life on earth. And we may be surprised at how far-reaching a single good person can be, when his young heart is affirmed that his actions are praiseworthy.

In life, not only amidst animals, PRAISE is of utmost value. Many a times, we forget to thank and appreciate the persons closest to us. Our parents, our siblings, our partners, our kids. Hold your tongue if you've nothing good to say, but PRAISE boldly at the very next chance you get.

I can assure you - you will see LIGHT shining forth from the other person when words of praise reach out to him/her. Praise can work wonders.

As we move along, day by day, do the world this little favour. Find someone to PRAISE each day. Light up their day. And watch that very act that you've praised, blossom into rich fruits that benefit all of us, both humans and animals, in this intricate connection called LIFE.

JACK, the inspiration, is up for ADOPTION


We visited the cat that made headlines on local media. Our blind-eyed cat.

JACK, as his kind supporters have named him, thrives despite the visual handicap. He thrives despite the fact that he was down with a little flu, because, he never once winced in the face of pain and suffering but rose above the ordeal -- a little hero who floors those with a soul, those who have a clear understanding how community cats are not just street animals.

And JACK inspired us to go forth to help those who are still struggling with the basics (or the lack thereof): food, water and shelter.

That despite us running low on our funds, despite the obstacles we faced along this journey, there is something to learn from JACK. To pick up the pieces and move on.

Our profuse gratitude to our generous supporters who have given JACK hope.

JACK is now up for adoption.

Only serious and sincere adoptors, please.

Email us at projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg

September 24, 2006

Eliza, Maggie and Jean-Paul

It is tough taking good pix of 4 exuberant, scurrying dogs who try to lick your camera lens. Pardon the blur shots. What's more important is all 3 pups - Eliza, Maggie and Jean-Paul - are having a happy, fun childhood with big bro Starjoy watching over them.

Eliza is the most wily of them all. She is the ring-leader, although she is the smallest in size. Petite gal with a small sweet face and frame.


Eliza (L) and Jean-Paul vying for cuddles.

Jean-Paul is a handsome boy showing his impending masculinity in his sinewy young muscles and manly paws. He takes time to warm up, scuttling for his fav spot under the shelf at the very moment of doubt. But he endears himself to L. A very loyal companion he is.


Jean-Paul giving L a big hug - dog therapy....ahh...

Maggie is a contented gal. The biggest of the 3 so far with lovely longer coat, she looks like her sis still living on the farm.


Maggie enjoying a head rub with Jean-Paul gazing at camera.

Starjoy is a jolly fellow, his life totally transformed by the appearance of this trio. He will whine and scurry for attention at the humans around, going from one to the other for hugs, oh so contented just to sit at your feet, gazing up with adoring eyes. He is a darling.


Starjoy (L) with Maggie.

I always catch myself wondering if we have done the right thing to pluck the pups from off the farms, where they are born, where they are familiar with, away from mom and siblings, right smack into a foreign land with foreign people.


Scruffy with Eliza's bro and sis at the farm.

Are we doing the right thing? For them or for us? Given a choice and a voice, what would THEY choose?

In this case of Eliza, Maggie and Jean-Paul, I am assured to say they are now both safe AND happy. The companionship of one another and L's dedicated love and care has given them the chance to live in happiness, peace and safety.

As for Eliza's sis and bro still at the farm, I would venture to say they are living a free and happy life too. But the only thing they lack is a good measure of SAFETY - the assurance that they be allowed the simple decency of living out their God-given life.


Scott

As for Scott, my heart feels regretful and sorry for him. That he could have been one of the 3 with L, safe and happy. Or at least he could still be living a carefree life with his bro and sis at the farm. His is a life in limbo. Taken under a concrete roof, made domesticated to an extent, and then given up. He may not adjust well in the stray pack environment anymore, nor may he be accepted by them. To find another home for him does not come at a snap of a finger. And especially for a 'returned case', all the more we have to be careful in his next home. We cannot let the boy suffer another reject in his young life.

Pls help us to find a good home for Scott. Thank you.

September 23, 2006

Scott to be given up -- FOSTER NEEDED!

Dear supporters,

Rehoming can be a trying process for all of us who harbour the only, pure intention that our dogs will be given a second chance in life, to live a life in safety and dignity -- off the streets, away from dangers, away from the possibility of being culled.

And the a trying episode does not avoid us this time, for Scott, a puppy from JK, has to be given up by his adoptive family whose grandma has met with paralysis.

Scott, at 3 months, still well into puppyhood, has been with what we thought and hoped would be a lifelong adoptive family. Like many a case, he has to be given up urgently. As he's already a domestic dog, we dread returning to where he was taken from. The huge trucks, the existing pack, the dirt, grime and lack of proper shelters, the scary fate of being culled... will be too much for him and leave him whimpering in a place he is unfamiliar with.

We appeal to EACH OF YOU who might able to provide Scott with a foster for the time-being, until we find a good home for him. This time, a good home that will keep him in forever.

Please do help spread the message around, for it is with the purest of intentions that we yearn for all dogs to be in safe hands. Enquires, please contact projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg or 9026-2733.

Thank you.

September 22, 2006

The pix was taken 2 Sep


That time, big boy Bob (right) wasn't injured yet. I hadn't taken much note of him cos he's always one of those dogs who hang around at the background. Not coming near. And not going far. He didn't leave much of an impression on me amidst the many who sought our attention and those who are outright unfriendly. He was always just there.

When this pix was taken, it was the first time he got friendly with me. His tail was wagging gently, coming right for me. He ate from my hand and allowed me to stroke him.

Then again, he slipped out of my mind till I saw him again while getting Beth, which was almost 2 weeks ago. Then he had already injured his ear, probably from a dog fight.

In the dark of the container, his ear looked mutilated, oozy and I'm sure maggots-infested. His whines and tilted head indicated his extreme discomfort.I tried to get him, but each time the leash touched a wee bit of his ear, he whinced in pain and backed away from me.

When we lost him after that encounter, I thought we'd lost him for good. And that was a big regret for me, being so close to getting him that day. As days passed without sight of him, the dread arises that he must have died somewhere.

Today, our hopes were raised once again! K called me excitedly this morning and said that Bob was in the room! (Beth and pack are now hanging out in one of the abandoned rooms) What good news - he's alive! K also said that his ear looked better, at least it doesn't smell putrefying as before. That's good news indeed, he must have gone off somewhere and somehow recuperated on his own.

However, when K thought that he had Bob trapped in the room by blocking the back door, this strong boy somehow managed to push through the front door (Beth and bro have never pushed thru this door before) and ran away again.

Never mind, it's OK! Knowing that he is alive and well is good news enough for now. I'm sure he will turn up again soon. I am sure.

The model family

Always puts a smile on my face when we visit this family. You can hardly tell Jonah and Jamie apart ya? (the 2 fawn colour boys flanking Big Ben)


(top) Mother & son - Ben is almost as big as Girl now. (bottom) Our Little Star with the big ears.
Thanks J for the pix!

September 19, 2006

PLEASE HELP THIS PUPPY

" Please help spread the word around.

This puppy, rescued from a factory in Jurong over the weekend is in urgent need of a good home, preferably someone living on landed property cos it's of local breed and hence would grow up to be a big dog.


I only managed to rescue one, the other two have been taken away by some bad foreign workers, not too sure whether they have already been killed and eaten or ?????

It's a male, abt 3 mths old, of local breed. I'm having difficulties coping as I already have 5 cats at home and they are not too happy abt it, refusing to step out of my bedroom. Mother-in-law is jumping but fortunately, I have the support of my husband.

I will TRY to foster it until a suitable home has been found. But I need help to care for the puppy this weekend cos I m going for a short trip this Friday. Can anyone help? Just 2 nights (Fri morning-Sun morning). I'll fetch it on Sun afternoon.

With the help of some friends from animal welfare societies, pictures of the puppy have been posted on the doggie site and website of the Action for Singapore Dog (ASD).


Sending him to SPCA would be the last resort and only after I have tried in vain to get him adopted.
I can be contacted at hp. 9479 4329.

Thanks.

Warmest Regards
Liza Cheng Leng Leng "

September 17, 2006

Blind-eyed Cat on Chinese newspapers


The case of our cat that has been blinded in one eye has made it to the headlines of the Chinese press. However, we'd like to caution all readers about the need to take a questioning and critical stance when perusing all news materials for, after all, news value is what a reporter hinges on, when crafting his story.

We are not into shocking the world with gruesome images that leave people disturbed and perturbed but rather, to

CREATE AWARENESS of animal cruelty that is subverting the privacy and perceived peace of our very heartlands and

EDUCATE the public to do the right thing, to take a strong stand against animal abuse.

And if via the act of sense-shocking through the media is what that will do the job, then I am for it.

The world of animal welfare is not a fairy tale, it is not the world of furry fuzziness all of us would like to think about

The REALITY is such and it is up to you -- the informed reader and consumer of the media -- to judge critically, to choose the part(s) of the world you want to see and not see.

case of cats abuse (David Hooi) on Chinese newspapers


before this grows into the catastrophic sequences like those enacted by ted bundy...

under the Animals & Birds Act, the maximum penalty for animal abuse (including murder) is one year jail term and/or S$10,000.

in the face of the PLETHORA of animal abuses cases i myself, as a concerned citizen, as a member of the public, have encountered, we can't help but work around with what we have: the rules that, as for now, show no signs of being changed.

this is the first time the max. fine has been imposed and it definitley shows signs of practical enforcement taking place in future.

animal welfare movement is increasingly visible albeit at a pace many are not satisfied with. simply because we recognise the need to enact laws and execute penalties and rules on errant offenders and the in-your-face feasibility of all these happening, if people take a more pro-active role in this.

do we need a blow on the head?

do we really need a symbolic self-awakening?

Updates on scalded cat





we paid a visit to the foster to have a look at the scalded cat that made some headlines on the local news front.

the cat is down with a little flu but other than that, is recovering from the trauma of its hurt and the wound that must have agonized him at degrees of pain and suffering we cannot imagine.

blessed with a strong spirit of resilience and forgivingness, the cat has made it past the most difficult stages of its recovery process.

while the medical expenditure spent on it is high, we are indeed very blessed to have a kind donor who'd shown us the beauty of human compassion and a kindess that knows no boundaries.

and that is what eggs us on to know with a sureness that life and living are still beautiful process intertwined with each other, that we continue to not only help our street lives but the people who help the street lives.

we hereby appeal to anyone who can give a (good) home to the cat who has drown the hurt it suffered with its soft power of love and affection to contact us: projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg

THANK YOU for your support.

September 15, 2006

THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE HEARTWORM

The fancy name for Heartworm in dogs and cats is Dirofilaria immitis.

The heartworm goes through a total of four molts to mature into an adult worm. The first two occur inside the mosquito and the next two occur inside the final host.

FIRST 2 MOLTS: L1 - L2, L2 - L3
Heartworm disease begins with an infected animal that has circulating microfilaria in its blood. This infected animal is called the source. A mosquito stops by for a meal and inadvertently sucks up a number of circulating microfilaria in the blood. Once inside the mosquito’s body, the microfilaria goes through two molts over 14 days or longer depending on the environment’s temperature. They go through their first two molts and change from an L1 to an L2 and then an L2 to an L3 (third stage of development of the larva).

As an L3, they have migrated into the mosquito’s salivary glands and during the mosquito’s next meal they burrow into the victim through the mosquito's small bite wound.

NEXT 2 MOLTS: L3 - L4, L4 - L5
Once inside an animal (host) where it continues development, the worm takes at least 6 to 7 months to go through the last two molts and to become sexually mature before the infection can be detected by a Heartworm test.

The L3 larva goes through its first molt to the L4 within the first 15 days and as early as 2-5 days after infection. The second molt from the L4 to the L5 occurs within the next 2 months.

The L5 larva is considered a juvenile adult and works its way through the host’s tissues all the way to the heart as early as 70 days after first entering the host. The majority of L5 larvae arrive in the heart by 90 days. They stay here and grow rapidly in length and size. The worm is home and will live here until it dies in 5-7 years.

Sexual maturity is achieved about three months after arrival in the heart. The worms actually continue to grow in size after reaching sexual maturity and the females start to pass microfilaria into the blood. Adult female worms have been known to grow up to 14 inches long and males are generally shorter.

Some pets are infected with numerous worms, all traveling from the site of the mosquito bite to their preferred home in the heart. This mass of twisted and intertwined worms can serve as a significant mechanical blockage to the normal flow of blood. Think of a garden hose. If pieces of debris block the hose, pressure builds up due to the obstruction of the flow of water. This is what happens to the heart and blood vessels when more and more worms congregate within the right ventricle. The smaller the host the fewer worms it takes to cause a problem.

Once the worm becomes an adult it will continue to produce young for many years in the dog, and a shorter time in cats and other animals that are not the usual host for the worm. The adults have been documented to live around 7 years in the dog and 2-3 years in the cat.

This completes the normal life cycle of the Heartworm.

**********************************************
Stage I

Lowest risk... young healthy dogs with minimal Heartworm disease evident on X-rays and all other tests are normal.

Stage II
Moderately affected dogs... some coughing is noticed, some difficulty breathing, changes are seen on X-rays, and blood work may reveal some kidney and/or liver damage.

Stage III
Severely affected dogs... the patient has weight loss, coughing, difficulty breathing, more damage visible on x-rays, and blood tests shows kidney and/or liver damage.

Stage IV
Vena Cava Syndrome or Caval Syndrome... the dog is collapsing in shock, all of the above abnormalities are more intense and the dog is dying. They are initially treated with surgical jugular removal of some worms if possible. There is no guarantee this treatment will be successful and many patients with Caval Syndrome die in spite of attempts to treat.

TESTING
Heartworms can be detected by blood test. The filtration test finds microfilariae in the blood; the occult test locates adult worms in the heart. Many veterinarians prefer to do both tests as the absence of microfilariae in the blood does not necessarily mean that there are no adult worms in the heart. Both tests are done with a single blood draw, preferably in the early spring before daily temperatures warm above 57 degrees F. Radiographs (X-rays) can also detect the presence of adult heartworms in the heart and lungs.

TREATMENT
If a blood test or the onset of symptoms alert owner and veterinarian to the presence of this devastating parasite, treatment is possible and successful if the disease has not progressed too far. The first step is to evaluate the dog and treat any secondary problems of heart failure or liver or kidney insufficiency so that he can withstand the treatment. The next step is to kill the adult worms with an arsenic compound. Veterinarians now have access to a Immiticide, a new compound that has fewer side effects than the previous drug and is safer for dogs with more severe infestations.

The treatment is administered in two doses each day for two days, followed by several weeks of inactivity to give the dog’s system a chance to absorb the dead worms. Exertion can cause the dead worms to dislodge, travel to the lungs, and cause death.

At least three-to-four weeks after the administration of the drug to kill the adult worms, further treatment to kill the microfilariae is needed. The dog is dosed daily for a week, then the blood test is repeated. If microfilariae are still present, the dose can be increased. Follow-up studies should be done in a year.

Surgical removal of the adult heartworms is possible and may be indicated in advanced cases with heart involvement.

More info: http://www.engelbergkristy.com/heartworm.htm

September 14, 2006

Be part of the 10 million

It is easy to think that someone else might do something, that someone else might speak up for the animals, that someone else might spread the word.

Let us be more conscious in BEING that SOMEONE who takes a stand, speak a word, make a move. For the the animals who share our world.

Mean what you say when you say that you care. In fact, in all aspects of life, say what you mean and mean what you say.

Log onto Animals Matter and be part of the 10 million.

I would like to sincerely appeal

to all of you out there, keep these numbers stored in your handphone. Whenever you witness animal neglect/abuse at petshops, pet farms, other farms, industrial areas, anywhere, anytime, pls call:

SPCA 24-hour Hotline: 6287-5355 (ext 9)
Email: operations@spca.org.sg

http://www.spca.org.sg/contact_us/contact_us.asp

AVA ANIMAL WELFARE & CONTROL:
6471-9987/6471-9996
Toll-free Hotline: 1800-476-1600
Email: ava_cawc@ava.gov.sg

http://www.ava.gov.sg/AnimalsPetSector/SalesOfPetsOwnershipExhib/CentreForAnimalWelfareControl/


1. PHOTOS: Take some good photos if possible - of the culprit, the animal, living conditions, car plate number etc.
2. EYE-WITNESSES: Get hold of eye-witnesses and their contact numbers for filing reports on the case.
3. VET CLINICS: If the animal is injured, bring the animal to the nearest vet. A list of our clinics and their contact details can be printed from: http://www.sva.org.sg/singapore_veterinary_clinics.asp


* For cases where HUMAN ASSAULT is involved and someone has been injured or in danger, pls call for immediate assistance from our Police.

Info on Police Procedures:
http://www.spf.gov.sg/epc/procedures/index.htm
Calling 999 for Police assistance:
http://www.spf.gov.sg/epc/procedures/index.htm

Pls note that police officers will NOT be despatched for cases not directly related to law and order, security and safety. Thus, call 999 only where, during your witnessed case of animal neglect/abuse, there is a possible danger to human life.

Remembering the first time I met Mommy Dog,

she was holed up all by herself, isolated from the rest of the dogs for she was deemed aggressive.

Her home for more than a year was a concrete fenced up pen surrounded by junk. When it rained, water would drip from the dilapidated zinc roof and left puddles of water that took ages to dry in that environment. Damp, stuffy, in ruins - Mommy Dog was easily forgotten and could well have died in that very pen. A living being, by nature sociable, left all alone.


Mommy Dog in her pen, forgotten by the outside world for more than a year. Click on the pix - you can see her lying down near the door, hoping to be let out to run free in the green. See the ruined zinc roof and junk all around her.



The owner did not allow us to let her free cos he said that she was aggressive and would fight with the pack - but when I went close to her in that pen, all she wanted was to get as close to me as she can, standing on her hinds, pressing her entire body flat on the fence - just to get near me and feel my touch - how much she must have been craving for loving contact of another being.

One day, one of the workers got fed-up of cleaning up her pen, and decided to set her free. That was the day we all witnessed the angelic nature and motherly ways that was denied her for so long.

She enjoyed a good period of freedom and happiness, roaming with Grey and the boys, grooming them, mothering them, enjoying our hugs and scratches when we visit. Her last days were much brighter, and for that, I am glad.

Mommy Dog, you are at peace now. After my grief, I am also at peace with the truth that she is more blessed where she is right now.

discussion on STOMP


"sekarang

Newbie

Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 2

SPCA is NOT the only animal welfare organisation

Allow me to bring to your attention that the SPCA is not the only animal welfare organisation in Singapore.

In fact, it is a not-for-profit one.

In Singapore, the AVA has a division called the

"ANIMAL WELFARE AND CONTROL DIVISION".

As the name suggests, we do have a govt. body that can do something about animal welfare.

The spate of cat abuses is a social ill that should be rectified by our govt. And who to better control and remedy this malady but the Animal Welfare & Control Division?

The responsibility to solve the cat abuse cases and upkeep with social standards thus lies heavily on the AVA.

If we can effectively control a localized global epidemic such as SARS that subverts even our private spaces, I don't see how "unachievable" it is to rectify/moderate/control the cat abuse cases (or any other animal welfare-related issues, for that matter)."

Do Not Genderize Animal Welfare work

Someone remarked, "Why is some boy of his age... doing all these animal work? Could he be gay?"

Based on this assumption, animal volunteerism or animal welfare work and conservation is a highly gendered issue.

A concept ludicrously constructed and ludicrous to the ears.

Yes, it may be a female domain, but to flippantly comment with a perspective that helping (and saving) the animals is something which meets with gender segmentation -- that a guy who would, could or should be doing things as socially-deemed "normal", or whatever that means, is gay for spending time with some stray dogs -- is shallow at best and infantile at worst.

NUS Students' Animal Welfare Group was kickstarted by a male student.

NANAS was founded from ground-zero by a man. So were many other animal-related societies all over the world.

Instead of focusing on the irrelevant social construct behind animal welfarism, one might like to channel all the energies on the animals in need of homes, in need of medical treatment, in need to escape from inhumane culling methods. In need of specialised studies and research.

Animal welfare work knows no boundaries -- no ethnic, no financial, no religious and certainly, no gender restrictions.

The late Steve Irwin who had a pure heart and harboured ambitious ideas on animal conservation -- may I bring to your attention -- is a man. Does it mean he was gay?

Think.

Lovingly Remembered: Mama dog


"She was penned up alone for a few years cos the 'owner' reckoned she was too aggressive to be let off with the other farm dogs, that she would find ways and means to escape.

Her life was barricaded in a wired rectangular fencing, surrounded by unwanted junk, under a crude zinc shelter that leaks when it rains.

One day, one of the farm workers got fed up of cleaning after her everyday and just let her loose.

Aggresssive?

You can't get further from the truth. This lady is the sweetest gal we know (hmm...ok, close fight with Summer). Very motherly nature, which was why Grey went up to NA together with her.

We call her Mommy Dog cos she mothers the dogs on the farm. She is an angel. "

I remember when I put my hand through the gate, she'd come galloping towards me -- not for the meat piece in my hand -- but for a warm caress, a tactile love.

When she got the meat, she didn't swallow it but gave it to the pups around her, like a wolf regurgitating for her young.

Today, we received a call from NANAS that Mama dog has passed away due to tick fever and heartworm attack. Last Sunday, she displayed visible symptoms of irregular breathing, panting and weight loss.

She is in heaven now, leaving behind Grey, whom she'd been dotingly mothering since JK days.

We love you, gal.
God bless your soul. You're in peace now.

September 13, 2006

Serial cat abuser gets maximum year's jail

He had been sentenced to three months in prison for similar offence earlier




CAT KILLER: Hooi suffered from an anti-social disorder that made him seek out cats.



BEDOK'S serial cat abuser David Hooi Yin Weng was given the maximum one year's jail yesterday for one of the worst cases of animal abuse.

Community Court Judge Bala Reddy said this when he sentenced the unemployed man for torturing a four-month-old cat until its eyes swelled and one of its teeth broke.

Hooi was caught after a complaint from a group of cat lovers who patrolled the Bedok neighbourhood every evening in search of the man they suspected of torturing and killing the area's strays.

A few months before his arrest on June 27, Hooi was jailed three months for abusing a kitten, which had to then be put down. At the time, he had told the judge he had made a 'mistake' and would not do it again.

He picked up the second cat on the street in Bedok on June 27 and took it to his home in Block 544. He allowed the animal to roam freely around his flat, but hit it repeatedly after it urinated on his bed. That night, he took the cat to the void deck, where he was arrested. The animal also had to be put down.

When he appeared before Mr Reddy in July, the judge had called for a prison psychologist's report to see how Hooi might be treated. Hooi was found to be suffering from anti-social personality disorder, for which effective treatment is limited. His intellect was in the 'extremely low'' to 'borderline' range.

Mr Reddy said yesterday that Hooi's treatment prognosis was assessed to be poor in view of his previous convictions.

An Institute of Mental Health psychiatrist had recommended that Hooi be kept in a 'secure environment' for as long as possible as he was likely to commit the offences again. The prison psychologist had said Hooi's apparent affection for cats appeared to be a substitute for his current lack of relationships with people. 'Unfortunately, David seems to have a poor understanding and unreasonable expectations of natural animal behaviour,' the psychologist said.

'Taken together, the likelihood that David would continue to seek out cats in future is high, and there is a risk that he would continue to engage in cruel acts to a cat when it does not behave in a manner that conforms to his unrealistic expectations.'

The judge noted that Hooi's long list of criminal convictions included corrective training and detention for previous offences.

'Studies have found that those with a history of repeated acts of intentional violence towards animals are at a higher risk of exhibiting similar violence against humans in the future.'

Mr Reddy said he was particularly concerned with psychiatrist Mok Yee Ming's recommendation that Hooi be kept in a secure environment for as long as possible.

One option - to sentence him to preventive detention - was not available in this case. Preventive detention aims to protect the public from the menace of an accused who has a long history of criminal convictions and poses a safety risk to the public.

Mr Reddy said although Hooi would qualify for such a sentence, he could not be placed in preventive detention as that punishment can be invoked only if the offence carries a jail term of two years or more.

The judge suggested that after Hooi's release, animal welfare organisations may wish to constructively engage the 42-year-old in their activities and programmes to help him overcome his behaviour towards animals.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal's executive officer Ms Deirdre Moss said the society hopes to work with psychiatrists involved in Hooi's case to help him tackle his compulsion to abuse animals.
elena@sph.com.sg

TENDENCY TO SEEK OUT CATS
'The likelihood that David would continue to seek out cats in future is high, and there is a risk that he would continue to engage in cruel acts to a cat when it does not behave in a manner that conforms to his unrealistic expectations.'' REPORT FROM PRISON PSYCHOLOGIST


HIGHER RISK OF VIOLENCE
'Studies have found that those with a history of repeated acts of intentional violence towards animals are at a higher risk of exhibiting similar violence against humans in the future.'' COMMUNITY COURT JUDGE BALA REDDY, who said that although Hooi would qualify for preventive detention, that punishment could be invoked only if the offence carried a jail term of two years or more

In the name of National Development

(click for a larger view)

A refresher on how the various organisations involved in animal welfare and control are linked: under the umbrella of MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT lies the various subjects of URA, HDB, Town Councils, National Parks and of course, AVA.

1. URA: they determine how our scarce land resources are utilised, thus which pieces of land will be taken over for development
2. HDB: they govern and determine housing rules for dogs allowed in our flats
3. NPARKS: certain areas like Sungei Buloh faces problems of stray dogs, and in the face of wildlife (flora and fauna) protection, the welfare of the strays may be sacrificed
4. AVA: they govern and safeguard animal and plant health, as well as animal welfare and control. Animal control involves catching and culling the strays when there are public complaints.

These parties directly or indirectly influence the reality and future of animal welfare in our country.


I would like to reiterate that we understand the stray population needs to be controlled and unchecked breeding by stray dogs and cats will ultimately lead to public complaint. However, take a moment and think - how has the CULLING (catching and killing) of strays helped our stray population for the past decades? Have we seen a significant drop in the number of stray dogs and cats or are we still battling the same issue with the same method, over and over again, with NO significant results?

Rising number of stray dogs is a result of various factors:

1. INDISCRIMINATE/ILLEGAL BREEDING
More stringent and regular checks must be done at all breeding farms and petshops. Current standards of breeding farms are less than desirable and there seem to be no strict regulations on breeders:

- how many breeding dogs are allowed on each farm
- how often the bitches can be bred
- living conditions of breeding dogs and puppies being born
- control of sale of dogs from farm: breeding farms are NOT licensed for sale of animals but they are openly selling from their compound

Have you ever wondered what happens to pups who not sold? Are there proper records of the number of dogs and pups on each farm? Who is safeguarding the welfare of the animals on such farms? Control this root of the problem, and the issues stemming from it will steadily fall into place.

















This is one case of suspected illegal breeding reported to the AVA. When you come across a case of suspected illegal breeding, or if you noticed unacceptable conditions on dog farms/petshops, pls make an immediate report to AVA and SPCA for a thorough investigation. Only by exposing errant behaviour, will there be positive changes.

1. PET ABANDONMENT
Due to the lack of legislation and capability of tracking down offenders, pet owners find it easy to dump their unwanted animals in isolated areas/HDBs/outside petshops and are not caught for it. The main reason is: the authorities have not made it compulsory for all pet dogs to be MICROCHIPPED.* Microchipping and registration of dogs must be done prior to sale for it to be effective at all. Once the dog leaves the petshop, it will be near impossible to check on the family to make sure they microchip AND register their dog thereafter.

3. UNSTERILISED STRAYS
To attain a longterm, truly effective and HUMANE form of stray population control, more efforts and resources must be channelled towards:
(a) legislation against indiscriminate breeding
(b) legislation against pet abandonment
(c) sterilisation of strays

Currently, many individuals are working fervently on their own accord to sterilise the strays and offer them a decent right to life. Animal welfare societies are utilising their OWN funds and manpower to better a situation which can be easily controlled on a CONCERTED, NATIONAL LEVEL OF SUPPORT.

On the sideline of volunteer organisations lie the private/government dog catchers who are directing resources to catching and culling the strays, some of whom are ALREADY STERILISED.

Since our last update in early August,

we have further sterilised 12 dogs, rescued 2 abused dogs and 1 abandoned labrador (Lucas, who is still looking for a home), and relocated 6 dogs to Noah's Ark (3 pairs: mom & daughter, bro & sis, good pals). We rescued one severely burnt cat and a kitten who had his eyeball pierced and destroyed.

It has been a fruitful month and we are geared up to continue with steadfast determination. For that, we ask for your continued support to build up on our funds that will enable us to finance all the expenses incurred in:

- daily food for our strays
- sterilisation
- vaccination
- microchipping
- medication: deworming, fleas/ticks, mange, heartworm, maggot wounds, accidents
- transportation: to & fro vet clinic for more difficult cases which we cannot ferry on our own
- boarding fees: for dogs who need recuperation from injuries/operations
- relocation to Noah's Ark
- monthly maintenance at Noah's Ark

We have received wonderful support from a few key supporters for our cases of abuse and neglect. THANK YOU so much.

As we move along, we will truly appreciate your continued support - a regular/monthly contribution, no matter how small the amount - will certainly lighten our concern over fnances as we concentrate fully on our groundwork.

We resolve never to let our work be affected or determined by the availability of funds. We promise to give each and every animal in need their deserving right to be treated, to be healed, to be brought to safety, to be given their full right to live in peace.

With your continued belief and support in us, we can achieve this.

* Donations can be made by cheque to: NOAH'S ARK CARES
and mailed to 83 Clemenceau Avenue, #18-05, Shell House, Singapore 239920

* If you prefer to make cash donations, bank transfer or other forms of donations, pls email us at
projectjkteam@yahoo.com.sg and we will discuss further with you. Official receipts will be issued for donations.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for the happy endings you help to create.

September 11, 2006

Blind-eyed kitten on STOMP



"Kuan sent in this heartwrenching photo to 75557@stomp.com.sg. It shows a kitten whose left eye was cruelly punctured by its abuser who is still on the loose. There were more pictures sent in of the pitiful animal's wounds but they are too gruesome to be featured."

We need to create awareness. Each case of animal abuse is not just a police case file or a temporary media "hype".

Scruffy is mothering the 2 pups






I really think that the boy is the same litter as Scott, Jean-Paul and all. Now Scruffy has taken over the role of mommy, grooming them, fussing over them. It's a joy to watch.


Our little boy is very friendly, walking all the way up to me for pats and scratches. He is a good potential for rehoming (IF we want to rehome him and IF we have a genuine family).

Wanted to get our boy

with the badly injured ear just now, but he didn't come out. Usually when dogs are unwell, they go into hiding. Have passed the antibiotic to K. He will feed the boy when he comes out tomorrow. And soon as we can, we will bring him for treatment.

When I was trying to get Beth last evening, he was lying low in the corner all the while. When he finally decided to come out to me, he was all friendly and waggy, letting me pat him a little. I did try to get the leash over him but when the leash just touched a wee bit of his left ear, he cringed and yelped in pain. In the dark of the shelter, I could see the open gaping wound, oozing blood and pus and I am sure it is maggot infested. He was walking with his ear tilted in pain and whining intermittently. We WILL have to get him soon.

Along the way, I saw our 2 black pups whom we thought were gone! They are fairly big now, prob about 6 months. 1 boy and 1 gal. And another beige gal. Well, at least we know they are still alive. Will try to get them.
















K's dogs are all settling down fine at the farm. The 7 have taken over the main front part of the farm, and Beth's pack are further in, preferring the sheds.


Big Boy Bully (he's the fattest of the lot) and one of our mangey quartet. Will be treating him and his bro for their mange.

3 pairs of dogs

are going up to Noah's Ark now: Billy & Bloom. Wangi & Chantek. Tiger & Romeo.

There they shall begin a new chapter in their life.

Good news

A piece of good news for today: we have gotten permission to construct an enclosure on the farm where Beth and her pack stays.

Our dogs will be enclosed during the day when the farm officially opens for business and public visits. From evening on, they will be let off.

This is good news as it gives our dogs a firm chance to live on at the farm. We will do our part to make sure they are well-controlled and not a disturbance to visitors.

Let us keep in mind

why we are doing what we are doing.

Let us keep the welfare and happiness of our animals in heart. And remember that we had taken that very first step towards giving them a better chance at life, at living.

Let us not open that crooked door to personal agendas or public fame, nor sidetracked our passion into a fiery tongue of untruths and idle talk.

Be of one heart and one mind in this path we have taken - with the declaration of making this world a better place for our animal friends. A better place. That should be a place of more smiles and joy and contentment. Not contention or contempt.

Nor is this a game to play. This is not a game. Those who see it as a game should exit.

This is a path. A path of truly wanting to make positive changes. No personal agendas in sight.

So, to all of you who have chosen to walk this path - please keep in mind why you have taken that first step at all. What was in your heart when you tread out with your vow to be a friend of the animals. Let not your heart be clouded with unwarranted contention or contempt.

We will all be better off if we stand together in unity.

Dog's life not so bad

A Chinese couple enjoying a meal with their dog at a pet restaurant in Hangzhou in eastern China's Zhejiang province. (their dog looks majestic!)

The restaurant specially caters to pet owners, banking on growing disposable incomes and changing lifestyles among Chinese. The number of pets in China has reached 100 million and includes cats, dogs, fish and other animals. The profits from China's pet market may be as much as 15 billion yuan (S$3 billion) a year, the official People's Daily newspaper reported last week.

September 10, 2006

Yes, today we got Beth

It was no easy task but it was worth it.

V dropped us at the farm before she went on her route. I walked around and found the pack resting under a shelter.

So I walked in, initially the dogs were disturbed but settled down after I fed them a bit.

This gal, let's call her Beth, is still pretty wary of me. She would come just close enough to reach the food which I place about a foot away from me, but always staying just out of my reach.

I continue to feed, wait and be patient as the dogs got more and more comfortable with me. Soon, they went to each of their corners and settled down.

I waited patiently amongst them, inching closer and closer to Beth. But each time I got too near, she got up and walked away to another spot to settle down. I continued to inch towards her a few more times and once, she walked out of the shelter towards the forested area behind and I was like, no don't do that! cos if she did, I would have lost her for today.

Luckily she walked back into the shelter and settled down one more time, She was getting sleepy now. So towards her I inched again, this time getting close enough to slowly loop the leash over her head and gradually tightening it for a firm hold. Phew....there, we got her.

BUT....carrying her was a totally different matter. She got defensive and scared, which is perfectly normal and it was very difficult for me to lift her up as she would struggle and fling her head to get out of the leash and attempted to bite. No way am I going to let her get away - if she did, we would have no chance of getting her again.

So, as I held on, we activated T. He came by in a few minutes. Experienced, he looped the leash over her mouth to muzzle her. Somehow her teeth gripped onto the leash and as T pulled she managed to bite thru the leash and got free!

The only thought I had then was NO! We can't let her get away! So without considering the danger, I grabbed hold of her scruff and back and tried to hold on...of cos...for a fearful dog, the only reasonable reaction you can expect is - she turned back and bit me. Twice. One on each arm. But I guess I was so focused on not letting her go, even with the initial jab of pain and seeing my blood dripped onto Beth's body, I didn't let go. (no worries, later at the clinic, I realised I had my tetanus jab few years back which protects me and the doc had cleaned my wound, the swell has lessen, will be fine)

T came over to help hold Beth down and C ran to get 2 more leashes from V. T did a good muzzle and leashed her up firmly then carried her into V's car and off to Dr T we went.

Though it is indeed sad to abort the pups, having them born into this world on that farm is leading them to a certain death when the authorities come at their next random date to cull the easy-to-catch pups.

I would rather not have them born than to have their innocent chance at life robbed and ended in inhumane means by people who do not look at them as fully living beings. Spare them the FEAR they will face when they do get caught.

Those who think it is cruel and that we should not have done this - I ask with all sincerity: please come forward and offer to be a foster for other pups we may find, and give us your promise that you would look for and secure good families for all the pups and follow up diligently on their welfare - only if you come forward with this promise, will we not choose a more painful option.

I always bear this in mind: the courage to love an animal requires the courage to see them die. Love is giving what is best to the other person. Sometimes it is painful for yourself, but with the pain comes the beauty of knowing the truth about life and about living.