Apr 29, 2010
Impose stricter measures to protect dogs at farms
I REFER to the report, '5-digit sum spent to save 80 dogs' (April 21). It related how a group of animal lovers came to the rescue of dogs at a breeding farm after the owner could no longer manage the 'business investment' after only three months.
Periodic checks by the authorities have obviously not uncovered symptoms of neglect, which means as long as such breeders are given licences, closer scrutiny is needed, including a checklist of preventive measures - to be complied with as part of licensing conditions - to safeguard and ensure the dogs' welfare.
Regular checks by a veterinarian - so early signs of illness can be detected and treated - should also be factored into the licensing conditions, and certified.
In view of what has transpired in this latest case, which no doubt involved considerable and unnecessary animal suffering, a more stringent code of practice and regulation needs to be urgently implemented.
Deirdre Moss (Ms)
Executive Officer
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
'If the Government can curb the number of cars on the roads, it can restrict the number of dogs imported and monitor farms.'
MS TABATHA RANDALL: 'The Government should limit the number of dogs and other pets imported into Singapore, and monitor the number of dogs a breeder may rear, relative to the size of the farm, the farm's financial standing and its ability to care for the pets adequately. If the Government can use certificates of entitlement (COEs) to curb the number of cars on the roads - and family planning when it wanted to in the 1970s - it can restrict the number of dogs imported and monitor the animal farms strictly.'
From http://www.mettacats.org/abused_dogs.htm
