11:55 AM February 3, 2009
Letter from Lee Chor Mui
I am inspired to pen this letter after reading the reply from AVA on culling “no easy solution for strays” (Jan 29). I like animals but would rather call myself an advocate of animal’s right for coexistence than an animal lover.The topic on stray animal population control has been hotly debated for a long time and I have closely followed the discussion. In my opinion, the complexity of the issue is not about the stray animal population control per se, which Mr Goh Shih Yong pointed out, but how do we balance the needs and viewpoints of the various interest groups and find a common ground that satisfies all?
Let me illustrate with a real-life example. On various encounters with the Town Council (Kim Seng) in my constituency, I learned that there were a number of complaints directed at the stray cats. Those complaints were typically issues relating to improper feeding of stray cats (public littering waste food expecting strays to finish them), noise pollution from cat fights, cats’ waste etc.
These complaints most probably came from a minority group of residents who are less tolerant of the presence of cats and whom may harbour misperceptions about them. The existence of such complaints should be looked at case by case instead of imposing a one-size fit all capital punishment on the stray cats - culling. It is always easy to point a finger, find problems and pick up the phone to complain. But what we need is a constructive solution to a societal problem that calls for beyond animal population control via culling.
I am aware that the Town Council and AVA seem to be torn between the devil and the deep blue sea. On one hand, they need to attend to every complaint regardless of how minute they may be and on the other hand, they need to address the concerns of animal interest groups such as the SPCA, Cat Welfare Society and concerned residents like me.
Regardless, I believe there should be certain principle or fundamental values that we need to hold onto.
· The respect for animal lives
· Culling should only be used as a last resort when all else fail and when absolutely justified
I do not see that the stray cat problem has elevated to a public health problem where culling should be enforced as an effective measure. The sterilisation programme is already well in place and has proven to be an effective stray cat population control measure. I also do not see that the majority of the Singapore population is so unhappy about the issue that we ought to put those innocent animals to sleep forever.
We need a multi-pronged solution to address the current misalignment in public interests rather than jumping to a harsh measure as culling.
To the Town Council, AVA and relevant authorities: understand the nature and motivation of each complaint regarding stray animals. Sometimes, some complaints may just purely originate from preconceived prejudice towards the animal or baseless accusation about stray cats’ “improper behavior”; or it could be due to the irresponsible behavior of some residents – for instance, dumping waste food and expecting those poor animals to ‘bio-disintegrate’ the waste. The latter instance amounts to littering (akin to throwing cigarette butts) and the stray cats should definitely not be held culprit. The crux is to assess each complaint objectively and adopt action only when absolutely warranted. The relevant authorities could also look into funding shelters to house the stray animals.
To the SPCA, Cat Welfare Society and other animal interest groups: To continue to work with the authorities in public education about the respect for animal lives and responsible pet ownership. Pet is for life and people in a gracious society learn to coexist with nature and other species in harmony. I have personally witnessed how the residents in Athens, Greece put in place a permanent feeding area for the stray animals in public parks. This speaks so much about the love and care of the society for the less privileged beings.
To the residents who are unhappy about the stray animals: Till this day, there is no scientific proof or concrete evidence that stray cats are serious threat to public health. Cats are tame by nature and will not pose any physical harm to human beings. I do know some of us have perpetual fear/dislike of the animal, either cultivated from a childhood phobia or old-tale superstitions and it is difficult to change such long time beliefs, however, in no circumstances should they be justified as reasons for supporting the culling of the animal. Being living beings as they are; they eat, urinate and shit and sometimes might get into territory fights (like what we human beings do). We just need to exercise a little tolerance and kindness to understand this is all so natural.
In a tiny land like Singapore where space is such a luxury, it becomes more essential to take the extra effort to learn to coexist with not only your neighbours, no matter how nasty they can be (since we cannot choose who lives next door to us) but also learn to coexist with the other species who share Planet Earth with us.
I look forward to this day where visitors from a foreign land admire how big hearted we Singaporeans are to provide a lovely environment for the homeless animals and I definitely dread the day when we have to erect cat statues (like those ox or bull figurines we have on the streets for Lunar New Year) in replacement of the real ones.
Comments
1 - 2 of 2 responses for "points of view"
| mrs tan s.h. Strays dogs and cats should be sterilised, fed and managed by feeders and caregivers. They are part of our community. These animals must be given a chance to live. Life on the street is extremely harsh on them. We must be kind to these animals. Do not take away their precious lives. We must be kind to animals. |
| Nandita Thank you "Today" for reviving the topic of managing stray cats/dogs. At the outset all animal lovers should refrain from making this a cat vs dogs issue. If there is an issue, it is about the irresponsible behaviour we humans have towards the cats/dogs or any pet in general. I totally agree with the view that these stray cats/dogs do not pose any threat to the society and the AVA should be considerate towards their welfare. On that note, if culling of stray dogs/cats is necessary then so is restricting/banning the bringing of pets such as Husky, St.Bernard etc. One just has to go to the animal shelters and see how many of them are languishing in the cells abandoned by their owners for the "high cost of maintenance". Let us come together and pledge support to the welfare of our pets. Whether a stray or domesticated - animals are a part of our lives that we live in. Our urbanisation should not be at the cost of their lives. There should be more encouragement to adopt strays,sterilisation,premium bus services where animals can travel with the owners, garbage management (as it attracts strays) and stringent measures against those who abuse |
