"One senses that government-related agencies and the civil service sometimes think that they are listening to the ground, when they may not really be doing so."
AVA has NOT responded to this letter:
How about third party checks? This will help AVA to reassure the public
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
