The Straits Times
ST Forum
Jul 26, 2010
Step up regulation and monitoring of pet breeders
I REFER to last Friday's report ('Dog breeder in jail after conviction for animal cruelty'). It is good that the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is doing more than just to 'coax, warn or fine errant owners and breeders'.
However, this is still not good enough. The fact that there were two similar cases in 2006 and 2008 shows how common animal cruelty perpetrated by dog breeders is, and how a fine is ineffective as a deterrent.
The report ('5-digit sum spent to save 80 dogs'; April 21) said another dog breeder had also allegedly failed to care for his dogs, with three of the animals dying of illness and four out of five having conditions like anaemia, tick fever and heartworm infection.
It is likely that the dog breeding market is oversaturated, which is why these breeders are not doing well financially. The AVA should regulate the number of pet breeders who are given licences, as animals are living things and not goods that these breeders can just dump once they run into financial problems.
The AVA should also do proper background checks on those wanting to start a breeding farm. Finally, it needs to conduct frequent and proper checks on all pet breeders, as well as ensure that the breeder provides proper food and medical care for the animals.
Joel Chia
