Original letter
To: voices@mediacorp.com.sg
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2010 6:04 AM
Subject: TODAY - Possible Contravention of Animals and Birds Act by the AVA
I refer to the article "AVA Denies allegations that stray animals suffered in pound" on 30 Sep & 'Strays welfare matters" on 02 October
With the publication of these articles, various accounts of healthy animals similarly deteriorating in AVA's pound has been posted on TODAY's Voice and other internet forums. Are the preventive measures taken by AVA sufficient?
The Animals and Birds Act, under Prevention of Cruelty to animals, 42(d) states that it is an offence
“by wantonly or unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, causes any unnecessary pain or suffering or, being the owner, permits any unnecessary pain or suffering to any animal; “
For example, refer to the contention on healthy animals being infected while at the pound. AVA has stated they are housed singly but it may not necessarily be out of the infection zone of another sick animal nearby.
Are there any regular third party checks or inspections to assess the condition of animals held at AVA? The records of corporate organisations are audited and errors can be detected even after an extended period of time. This helps in accurate assessments and making improvements.
However, since AVA will not keep animals around for more than a few working days, there is no way to back-check on their treatment during that period. With the current stress on operational transparency, especially that of government agencies, this is a grevious loophole. AVA should engage in open practises to quell possible rumors and clarify their professionalism to the public.
Mr Roger Chow
TODAY
How about third party checks?
This will help AVA to reassure the public
Letter from Roger Chow
05:55 AM Oct 07, 2010
I REFER to the report "AVA denies allegations that stray animals suffered in pound" on Sept 30 and the letter "Strays welfare matters" on Oct 2-3.
Various accounts of healthy animals similarly deteriorating in the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) pound have surfaced in Today and on Internet forums.
Are the preventive measures taken by the AVA sufficient?
The Animals and Birds Act, under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 42(d) states that it is an offence if a person, "by wantonly or unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, causes any unnecessary pain or suffering or, being the owner, permits any unnecessary pain or suffering to any animal".
Take, for example, the contention that healthy animals are getting infected while at the pound. While the AVA claims that animals are housed singly, they may not necessarily be out of the infection zone of another sick animal nearby.
Are there any regular third-party inspections to assess the condition of animals held at the AVA? The records of corporate organisations are audited, which helps in accurate assessments and making improvements.
However, since the AVA does not keep animals for more than a few days, there is no way to back-check on their treatment during that period.
URGENT: Seeking Donations for Medical Treatment of Cat in Bad Condition After Being Held by AVA
This is a photo of Boyfee in happier days:
and this is Boyfee now:
When we picked Boyfee up from AVA, he had injuries all over his body and the back of the body was drenched in cat pee and poo, most likely to be his own.
Boyfee is now admitted to the hospital as he is fully dehydrated with fever and flu. He is so badly treated that if any human had seen him, they - like me - would have been outraged by how he and the other cats were kept and treated.
Here're some photos of Boyfee's injuries:
UPDATE
Unfortunately to our great dismay, Boyfee has passed away early Sunday morning. Due to his condition, he had lost all his strength and didn't even have the energy to move his paws.
The total bill at the vet was $618.54, after $54.46 discount. Kashif had to borrow most of the amount so as to settle the bill, and we are still looking to raise enough funds to assist the cause.
To response to this article, write to voices@mediacorp.com.sg
with name, address and contact number.
You can write to the CEO of the AVA about this matter at:
MS TAN POH HONG, PPA(P), PBM, PBS
Job Title : CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AGRI-FOOD & VETERINARY AUTHORITY
DID : 63257530
Email: TAN_POH_HONG@AVA.GOV.SG
Unit: AGRI-FOOD & VETERINARY AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE (AVA)
Parent: AGRI-FOOD & VETERINARY AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE (AVA)
Organisation: AGRI-FOOD & VETERINARY AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE (AVA
