by the authorities (one example being an increase in the maximum fine from $500 to $5000 for unlicenced dogs), there has been an obvious increase in the number of abandoned dogs, documented in recent articles in the Straits Times.
More dogs are surrendered or found and taken to SPCA, the number of dogs found and posted in the Classifieds Lost & Found have increased, dogs of big breeds are found leashed to trees/lamp posts in HDB vicinities (possibly belonging to the families living in HDB flats), cos they would not be permitted to obtain licence from AVA to allow them to legally keep their pets in HDBs.
There also have been an increase in the number of small dogs found wandering in neighbourhoods, even on the highway. Possibly they belong to families living in HDBs who have more than 1 dog. By AVA regulations, each household in a HDB flat can only have 1 small dog of an approved breed.
Thus, even if the change in rules and regulations arise out of good intentions to remedy irresponsible pet ownership and eventually reduce the numbers in our stray dog population....however...
.... without a mutual agreement with the HDB to change our current dog ownership laws for HDB dwellers, who are such a great majority in our country, such a solitary change on the AVA's part has caused the very ill that they intend to prevent -- INCREASED PET ABANDONMENT.
And who are yet again on the suffering end? The very animals the law purports to protect.
Now, did we not see this coming?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Rulings, policies etc implemented by the authorities, are in my view, to facilitate ease of implementation for the authorities. Constantly puzzled why HDB owners, who pay & own the flat, are not allowed to decide who live with them, the authorities get to do so!!! Dont we the HDB dwellers have any rights as the owners who pay hundred of thousands, maintenance fees, etc. Do big dogs caused inconvenience / danger to the public? Men are the most dangerous species in the world. Its all about responsible ownership and education. We need to reflect this to the Minister of State, who recently said about allowing the residents to make decisions.
Post a Comment