The Straits Times
ST Forum
June 12, 2007
Animal carers given short shrift over cats' fate by RC
THE lives of three sterilised cats at Blk 875 Yishun St 81 are to be 'terminated" as a result of a survey conducted by Nee Soon Zone F RC which showed that 'two responders agreed and one responder disagreed to the removal of the cats'.
Madam Wong, a volunteer who lives in this block, did not receive the survey form. Hence, we were understandably upset as we have volunteered our time, effort and money in the neighbourhood's 'Cat Management' programme.
This includes trapping the community cats to be sterilised so that the population remains controlled and eventually reduced with natural attrition, as well as assisting the town council to resolve feedback about cats so that effective solutions are applied. 'Cat Management" helps the town council to conserve public funds by not engaging pest controllers to kill the cats.
Ms Pang, also a caregiver and resident of this RC zone, had sought Mr Goh Han Chuan, the Nee Soon Zone F chairman, for clarification on an earlier survey. However, she was treated with an attitude that was anything but courteous.
A chat with the residents of Blk 877 showed that:
1) The total number of residents spoken to: 36
2) 18 of them claimed not to have received the survey forms
3) 27 residents do not want the cats to be removed and killed
4) Seven are neutral
5) Two wanted the cats killed
Residents who merely file complaints with the RC were given due respect. Surely then, it is not unreasonable for residents such as Ms Pang and I to ask for the same degree of respect.
We appeal to the RC to work with us, not against, because we really have the same goal of reducing the conflicts between humans and cats.
We believe that a humane solution to the problems of living with cats in our midst sends a positive message to our young people whose lives seem to be imbibed with increasing violence and killing.
Singapore prides itself on its multiple achievements. Trap-Neuter-Release-and-Manage is an evidence-based method that will achieve a long-term and effective solution to our problems with cats.
'Cat Management" also provides a platform for residents of different races to work together, providing opportunities for us to know each other better which is a firm foundation of racial harmony.
Helga Koh Nee Gamp (Ms)
