Thursday, December 30, 2010

SPCA voices concern over animal welfare, experimentation


The Straits Times
www.straitstimes.com
Published on Dec 30, 2010

SPCA voices concern over animal welfare, experimentation


TWO reports on Dec 20 ('Study on facility to breed large animals for tests'; 'Dolphin exhibit still part of RWS' plan') are cause for grave concern among those involved in animal welfare.

# Animal experimentation: It was high- lighted that Singapore is studying the feasibility of building a facility to breed large animals such as pigs and monkeys for scientists to test advances on. With billions of dollars set aside for biomedical research, the question arises as to how many animals will be put through medical experiments in these laboratories?

As much as animal experimentation has been beneficial in aiding medical researchers in the study of diseases afflicting humans, it cannot be denied that it has been at the expense of the animals involved. Aside from this, there is also no guarantee that what works on animals will work on humans.

Inspections once a year by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority is a basic requirement, but is it adequate when the lives of so many sentient and intelligent beings are involved? The industry is largely self-regulated which, over time, could easily result in complacency or loss of sensitivity to the animals being studied. What goes on behind closed doors cannot be imagined, in terms of pain, discomfort or mental distress endured by a laboratory animal.

The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) agrees with the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Animals in research: Room for greater transparency'; last Friday), that more effort should be made in reducing, refining and replacing animals in the field of scientific research in Singapore. We would also reiterate the urgent need to bring about more transparency in the industry, and ask that independent checks of animal research facilities by animal welfare organisations be permitted.

# Dolphin exhibit: It was announced by Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) recently that it would proceed with the importation of wild caught dolphins, despite the death of two of seven dolphins at a holding area in Langkawi Island, Malaysia.

The capturing and confining of any wild creature with the intention of transforming its natural lifestyle and habits for human enjoyment and revenue is immensely cruel. The suffering of these creatures in the build-up to becoming trained performers is also unimaginable with minimal educational value to the public.

The SPCA urges RWS to seriously reconsider its decision to be party to such a cruel trade.

Deirdre Moss (Ms)
Executive Director
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Beautiful Firsie



















A "harmless" cat cared for by some residents who got her neutered and provide food for yet. Yet a resident emailed to the town council to complain of the "presence of a black cat"!
She yearns to be "sayang".
She didn't ask to be born a cat, to be abandoned and to be black!
Why can't we just live and let (others) live as well!?

Monday, December 27, 2010

For PR's sake, free the dolphins

















TODAY
VOICES
Dec 27, 2010
Letter from Roger Chow

I REFER to recent reports that two of the seven dolphins destined for Resorts World Sentosa's (RWS) Marine Life Park have died in captivity.

RWS has stated that its decision to exhibit the dolphins is a fulfilment of obligations in its winning bid to build one of Singapore's two integrated resorts. If it is therefore beholden to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), then perhaps STB should instead take the initiative in changing course before a dreadful situation is made worse.

Ho Wai the killer whale died in Hong Kong's Ocean Park in 1997 after she lost too much blood in her intestine. She died aged about 22, compared to a natural lifespan of around 50 for those in the wild.

The nation mourned and many questioned the initial wisdom of placing such an elegant creature in captivity.

When more dolphins die prematurely or unnaturally in Singapore - and they surely will, as studies have shown that such marine creatures almost always fare poorly in captivity - a similar backlash will occur.

This will tarnish the image of STB, RWS and Singapore as an environmentally-enlightened nation. It makes commercial and ecological sense to avert the PR disaster before it happens.

To support Roger Chow's appeal, write to TODAY, VOICES at voices@mediacorp.com.sg

Monday, December 20, 2010

Give abandoned pets a second chance



The Straits Times
www.straitstimes.com
Published on Dec 20, 2010

Give abandoned pets a second chance


I REFER to Mrs Nicole Simon's letter ("Want a Rabbit Year pet? Be sure you can be a good owner"; Dec 5) and fully agree that considerable thought should be put into welcoming any animal into a home. It is a long-term commitment to care for it and abandonment or neglect should never be an option.

I recently adopted a lovely two-year-old Lionhead Lop rabbit from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and I encourage adoption as the first option when looking for a pet. It is more meaningful to save an abandoned pet than buying one from a pet store. And age should not be a deterrent; my rabbit is just as lovely and well-behaved as a baby rabbit. Do give these abandoned pets a second chance.

I also encourage the public to do some research on the type of animal they are interested in before deciding if it is suitable. I bought a book on rabbit care so that I would know best how to care for my rabbit.

Dr Evelyn Khong

Saturday, December 18, 2010

From being abandoned with a "freshly chopped tail" to being safe in a good home

Then on 17 March, 2006,
New abandonee at carpark
"7.45am: I saw an unfamilar feline figure under the sparkling clean old mercedes. I got on my knees and the cat looked at me. Alamak..untipped! I put some dry food into a paper bowl. Her hunger overcame her nervousness and wariness. I add some wet food as she could be dehydrated. I then shifted the food in stages until she was feeding at the back of my car. She is a new abandonee. She looked old enough to be sterilized. I was thinking that she looked like a healthier version of Fussypot when I spotted her nearby, coming to “kaypoh”. I got her to follow me to the back of the void deck. Her appetite has remained good but her pelvic region was still sunken in."

to Now

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Monday, December 13, 2010

Cat vs Internet

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/cat_vs_internet

Cat Vs Internet

Rabbits need lifelong care


TODAY
Rabbits need lifelong care

Being fragile creatures, they are not suited to being cared for by kids
05:55 AM Dec 13, 2010
Letter from Jacelyn Heng President, House Rabbit Society Singapore

I refer to the report on "Don't buy bunnies on impulse: SPCA."

I wish to urge members of the public not to buy a pet rabbit on impulse during the upcoming Year of the Rabbit. Having a rabbit - or any pet - is a life commitment and owners have to be prepared to take on the responsibility of feeding, caring and spending time with their pet.

The House Rabbit Society Singapore (HRSS)receives three to five emails per week from owners who need to give up their rabbits, citing reasons like a lack of time, children losing interest, development of allergies, arrival of a newborn, and so on.

These problems occurred because people often have this serious misconception that rabbits are low maintenance animals and are great pets for children.

On the contrary, rabbits require as much, if not more work than a pet dog or cat. As rabbits are highly fragile animals and need mature individuals to understand their unique needs and gentle way to handle them, they are not suitable for children.

Children often want something they can cuddle and play with, and a rabbit is not suited to do any of these.

Children also have short attention spans, and it is unreasonable for them to understand and take care of a rabbit for the duration of its 10-year life. Parents need to understand that they, and not the child, should be made the primary caregivers of the pet rabbit.

Another serious misconception is that setting their rabbit "free" (in parks and reservoirs) is doing them a service.

Domesticated rabbits cannot and will not survive in the wild and will end up dying slow painful deaths.

More than 1,000 rabbits are abandoned in Singapore every year. Domestic pets lack the survival instincts to fend for themselves. They must never be abandoned in public parks or other open areas.

The "lucky" ones that don't get eaten by predators get run over by cars or die from heat or disease. If one can no longer keep their pet, they should try to find a new home for it, or at least contact an animal welfare group for assistance. Pet abandonment, which is a crime where a person found guilty can be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed up to 12 months, should never be an option.

If you think you would enjoy sharing your home with a rabbit and are ready for the commitment, please choose to adopt over buying. You can adopt one from SPCA or from an HRSS foster home. There are too many healthy and sweet natured rabbits in need of a good home.

Let's make the upcoming Year of the Rabbit a real enjoyable time for our rabbits.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Good Night




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The town councils MUST respect residents who like cats


Residents who like cats do not call the town council to "complain".

Some town councils assume that just because a few residents call to complain, the default solution is to activate their pest controllers to trap them to be killed at the AVA.

In fact, most complainants are not aware that the cats are killed as a result of their complaints and they do not want that!

http://www.catwelfare.org/downloads
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4438178607_f0e4ff1a4c_o.jpg

Community Cat in Pasir Ris







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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Cute hor!




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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Security




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Community cat in Bedok Reservoir










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A poster where "strays" are not blamed




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Ginger at Chai Chee




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Sunday, December 5, 2010

Spots




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All they need is for fresh water and food to be left around the house and their litter boxes cleaned. That’s not much to ask.

Edgar and Sparky



















Edgar Lu's blog

http://www.spca.org.sg/endings.html


**One of our adopted pet cats Gandalf has played an important role in the life of Gina Ho and family. We thank her for sharing how Gandalf has helped her husband Edgar Lu cope better in his illness.

It is another testament to the fact that pets are a wonderful comfort and good stress relievers. You may wish to read Mr Lu's blog here.

1. Me and my shadow
2. Ashley says hello!
3. Bobby changed my life!
4. Ernie's letter home
5. You've got mail (from Jackie in Japan)
6. The cat with a triangular patch - Nacho
7. The happiness of Zoro!
8. Fluffy changed our lives
9. Lola Frumpie Pinkie
10. Our intelligent Lizzy!






The cat’s out of the bag
February 21, 2007

Straits Times Interactive, Mind Your Body, 21 February 2007

Six cats under the same roof have provided a family with companionship and brought relief to a sick man. By Shelagh Mahbubani

Most people would think that six cats taken in by a loving family to be getting the better end of the deal.In fact, the Lu family feels that it’s the other way round.

The six cats that live with them have blessed them in more ways than they imaginable, said the Lus.

They are especially thankful of any blessings they have received since Mr Edgar Lu was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 1993.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that causes the death of nerve cells and hence the paralysis of voluntary muscles.

In 2000, Mr Lu, 54 and a former IT consultant, became completely bed ridden.

Three years later, Mr Lu and his wife Gina got their first cat, Gandalf.

Though they bought Gandalf to help their son Kevin, who was going through depression, they found that having a cat helped everybody.

The cats also help Mr Lu deal with his condition.

He is unable to move, except to smile and speak in a voice incomprehensible to everyone but those who know him. He has to be constantly under watch, as there’s a risk of him choking on his saliva.

‘Prior to the arrival of the cats, he was more focused on his own problems,’ said his wife, Mrs Lu, 47, a systems analyst.

Now, Mr Lu can watch the cats while he lies on the bed placed in the living room.

It’s very comforting to have them lie on the bed, he said through his wife’s translation.

Aside from providing emotional comfort, they even help to reduce his physical pain.

A cat lying on his hip can be more effective at relieving the pain than a hot water bottle, said the Lus.

The cats have also helped the whole family bond in a way that they couldn’t previously.

Mrs Lu said that because of her husband’s illness the family wasn’t able to spend as much time together as they wanted.

As the two sons grew older, they had less in common to talk about.

‘The cats indirectly serve as a link for the family,’ said Kevin, 20, a student at LaSalle-SIA College of the Arts.

Perhaps most important of all, the cats have helped the rest of the family get through hard times.

They really are, in their own way, members of the family.

Having Gandalf around helped Kevin get out of his depression, which hit him just around his O levels.

Gandalf is like a pal to her son, said Mrs Lu.

Kevin prefers to call Gandalf ‘an animal version of a soulmate’.

‘We understand each other,’ he added.

Both mother and son say the cats understand orders.

‘It’s uncanny,’ said Mrs Lu. For example, they will go into a room if she asks them to.

And whenever they are asked to do something they don’t like, the cats will respond with an indignant look.

And while one would think that keeping six cats in the house would create a mess, Mrs Lu said the opposite is true.

‘They’re very clean and well behaved,’ she added.

All they need is for fresh water and food to be left around the house and their litter boxes cleaned. That’s not much to ask.

Good Morning, Tom-King





Cat Lost: Jurong West St. 61, Block 640

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Can a cat think malicious things like a human?





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Animal Cruelty




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Cute Tara



Friday, December 3, 2010