The Electric New Paper :
Respect other people's beliefs
24 June 2009
I READ the letter, 'Ban pets from open exercise areas' (The New Paper, 17 Jun) and the response from another reader, 'Exercise area is public space, so everyone has right to take pets there' (The New Paper, 18Jun).
I love animals, especially dogs, but I think the view expressed in the second letter is slightly inconsiderate.
Not all people who go to fitness corners to train will be happy to see someone's pet loitering there or being tied to exercise equipment.
They may have their personal reasons for this, linked to hygiene or religious beliefs.
As Singaporeans, I think we must learn to respect people from other races, their beliefs and practices.
As pet owners, we should understand certain things and limit ourselves from taking our pets to some places.
Exercise areas are public places, but they are meant for people and not for animals. What can pets do in exercise areas? Exercise?
I hope the town councils will look into this matter.
FROM READER RAMESH KANNAN
