Straits Times Forum
HOnline Story
Dec 2, 2009
Biggest cat killer is intolerance
THE Cat Welfare Society is heartened by Mr Teh Thien Yew's support of kindness to homeless strays in Saturday's letter, "Reflection of values". He said that the way we treat animals is a "reflection of the values of kindness we hold in our hearts".
His words as general manager of the Singapore Kindness Movement Secretariat gives us hope that our society can put our minds and our hearts together towards the humane management of these community animals.
An average of 10,000 cats are surrendered or trapped and sent to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals every year.
Almost all of them are put down. Many are victims of abandonment, neglect and abuse, but the biggest cat killer by far is intolerance - a social quality that is affirmed every time a trap is loaned to residents with no love for the animal, and rewarded every time a complaint is satisfied with the activation of pest control.
Human kindness towards homeless strays prevails through the sheer dedication of ordinary Singaporeans all over the country and the officers of the authorities that align their practices to their convictions by supporting sterilisation and responsible management.
They lead by example in showing us that kindness towards strays is not at odds with the goals of our society for harmony, for well-being and for progress.
Ang Li Tin (Ms)
President
Cat Welfare Society
