Enclosure

For weeks, we've been working with an employee on a farm -- who takes care of stray puppies born on the premises -- on the issue to mediate between those who take actions to rid the dogs and those who think the dogs give no trouble with their existence.

Yes, to many who are unfamiliar with even pet dogs, our pups are perceived as eyesores to the farm business, who faithfully trail after their caregiver all over the place, or who are deemed as 'nuisances' with their audible squabbles or the random poo on the floor.

But these dogs, as far as we know, are sheltered by ground workers who have given them adorable names and who fairly treat them as part of their worklife. Niu Niu, for one, is a delight to kids who visit the farm for even though he can be labelled as a 'stray' by all standards of our legislation, he's a friendly, carefree and confident kid. The apple of the caregiver's eye.

Which is why after some 'ding-dong' with the management, the authorities and our ground workers, we have:
* Sterilised 6 out of 9 of the puppy pack, on top of the adult males we have brought for neutering a few yrs ago
* Come to some form of middleground between the management and the caregivers.

This week, a proper enclosure tucked behind the compound, installed with roofing and sturdy fences, will be constructed to house the dogs for indefinite time frames, in the sole aim to minimize all possible conflicts between dogs and the humans who avert them.

Here are two images of the pre-construction stage enclosure:






And in ways we didn't expect -- while we negotiated with contractors and worked through the plans and purposes of this enclosure -- Mr Y who allowed us to keep our initial Mama Girl-Ben-Jamie-Jordan etc. pack -- has offered to pay for the enclosure. On top of that, construction materials now come in kind by a close relation of one employee of the farm as well as the management!

As of now, nothing actually looks less than promising and we're right on track in kickstarting a responsible management of community dogs who can come into harmonious co-existence with humans -- workers, visitors, caregivers -- without the need for culling for the reason of population control.

All possible with kind sponsors, like Mr Y.

And hey, reconciliation is not exactly a remote goal or possibility. Likewise, you, as a member of the public, can do your part. Talk to the stray caregivers in your estate; they could be senior ladies in need of help to mediate between residents who can't bear the stench of cats' poo and the caregivers themselves who just want to help the cats.

Talk with uninformed individuals calmly. It could be matter of realigning perspectives. A matter of revealing to them the value of caring for the community cats or dogs. And demonstrating the strength of those who believe in their cause and are willing to take actions to better animal welfare in small ways they can contribute to.

Influencing them to have a heart.

And driving messages of humane/ethical treatment across to those whose decision to pick up the phone and call the authorities means 'life and death' to animals blended in our urban ecosystem. Daunting could be the task of mediation, but your voice matters, for it adds to the collective advocacy of animal welfare.

Enclosure. Let's see how it goes this week.