The Electric New Paper :
CALL FOR TOWN COUNCIL TO CULL CATS
Ease ban on cats in HDB flats instead
10 June 2009
IN HIS letter, 'Why kill a cat over scratches on car?' (The New Paper, 6 Jun), Dr Tan Chek Wee trivialised a woman's demands for the town council to cull cats that could scratch her car.
Dr Tan said 'the car has no feelings' and belittled the fears of the proud owner of the expensive new vehicle.
Cats and cars are not always compatible, though I love both.
I fully understand why the woman rejected the offer of a free car cover from the Cat Welfare Society.
I speak from experience in saying that while cats make only superficial scratches on paintwork, their claw sharpening on the rubber surrounds of windscreens can cause damage costing several hundred dollars.
If those claws go through the fabric top of a European convertible, the bill can run into five figures.
To protect one of our cars from our own cats, my wife has to cover it every time after use. This job is tough.
To prevent car covers from sticking to paintwork, you have to wait for the engine to cool. To avoid the accumulation of sand that causes scratches, covers should not touch the ground. Handling these unwieldy expanses of fabric is best done by two people, with space to walk round the vehicle. Covers also require laundering, and space to be hung to dry.
We go through this trouble only because we are retired, love cats and seldom use that car.
Can you imagine someone indifferent towards cats, whose car is used daily, wanting to do this?
Dr Tan concluded by saying that the solution is obvious for reconciling people's love for their possessions with understanding that cats are living beings too.
Practical solution
Rather than pondering the vague abstractions of anti-materialism, forgiveness and respect for life, Singaporeans should try to achieve one practical solution towards these ideals.
Persuade the HDB to repeal the archaic rule banning the keeping of cats in its flats.
Easing the ban will immediately resolve many conflicts.
Those claiming to love cats will then have to accept the responsibility of keeping them at home. This will confine the problems of food messes, urination, defecation and damage to property within their own premises.
The National Environment Agency, Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority and town council staff will have far fewer complaints to attend to.
More cat lovers should let the HDB know their feelings now.
FROM READER LEE CHIU SAN
Cousin of Mr Tan Tuan Khoon - the notorious "Seletar Serial Cat Culler"
