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May 8, 2010
Toughen anti-cruelty laws but don't harden hearts
I REFER to the report, '5-digit sum spent to save 80 dogs' (April 21).
Toughen the laws and do not harden our hearts. We should applaud Mr Derrick Tan's kindness to the animals. Would leaving the dogs in their deplorable state really deter other breeders from 'emotional blackmail'?
If we have to harden our hearts, then we should first stop charity donations after the T.T. Durai and Ming Yi sagas.
We cannot condone such irresponsible behaviour in a business that should require love and compassion. Why not toughen the requirements before issuing licences to dog-farm operators?
Operators could be screened for a good track record of animal care and volunteer experience or even references from recognised animal welfare institutions like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Why make it so difficult? Because pets should not be just a commodity to be sold for a profit to unsuitable buyers. And there are many animals waiting for adoptions into a good home.
Michelle Elizabeth Yin (Ms)
