"Any dog, even if he is wearing a collar,

even if his ear is tipped (to show that he is sterilised), any dog so long as they are straying, we will catch".

This came from a staff of the Animal Control section of the authorities.

Me: How do you keep a dog WITHIN the confines of a farm, when a farm is just like an open, sprawling area, the gates are all open during the day?

Him: "The owner should tie up the dog la".

Me: Tie up the dog the whole day?

Him: "No la, the owner should tie up the dog during the day, and when he has time, take the dog for a walk...." ---- ......(??!!).......

[never mind...breathe......]

Me: How much do we need to pay to get this dog out tomorrow?

Him: $93 for compoundment, $100 for straying and no licence...

Me: That's a lot of money

Him: No la, to save a life what....

Me: To save a life?? In the first place, your team should speak with the farm owners there and find out from them, whether their dog is licensed at all? At least explain to them what they can do, give them a chance. This one is not licensed cos they can't get the main owner to sign the documents. What if in other cases, the dog is already licenced, already sterilised, wearing a collar....will you just catch the dog without speaking with the owners??

Him: Ya. So long as the dog is straying, we will catch...

Me: How do we get a licence for him now? Can his owner, the tenant, sign on the form?

Him: No, the main owner of the farm must come down personally and sign...

Me: But the main owner is not interested at all and not very helpful in this...and the tenant is the one looking after the dog and he's now willing to take legal ownership of the dog and asked me to ask you if he can be the one to authorise for the licence?

Him: Cannot, cos what if the main owner does not allow the tenants to keep the dog?

Me: The main owner is basically not involved and hardly at the farm at all...and this dog has been at the farm for a few years already...you say it's good to save a life, so how can you help us in this licensing issue?

Him: If you are bringing the dog back to a private property, that's ok, but if you bring him back to the farm, the main owner must come and sign the documents.

Me: We do not have a private property to bring the dog to, and it is not easy to find homes for local breeds like him, I'm sure you understand. We'll bring him to the vet tomorrow, get him neutered, tip ear, microchip, everything done, and I'll get the tenant to apply for a licence. Let me know how you can help me with this licence part.

Him: Maybe you just come down tomorrow and discuss with Mr M, he's in charge and see what he says....


* This boy was caught just in front of his farm yesterday. The authorities did not attempt to find out who is the owner, nor did they offer any explanation nor advice to the owner. They came, loop the boy up and left. He is an easy target. Now, we have to pay them to get the dog back.