04:46 AM Oct 15, 2011
ALTHOUGH culling is the primary measure in Singapore to control and prevent a rabies outbreak, it is no longer considered an effective method of control by international standards.
As documented in the World Health Organization report "Strategies for the control and elimination of rabies in Asia", many of our neighbouring countries practise rabies vaccination as a primary means of control and prevention.
Progressive states in America as well as Asia, such as Thailand and Sri Lanka, are adopting the trap-sterilise-release method of control. However, this is not considered seriously enough in Singapore.
The authorities here should also be more aggressive in promoting responsible pet ownership and adoption through the mass media, besides holding roadshows.
Over the years, there have been more animal abandonment cases and the number is expected to rise further in an economic downturn. A more holistic approach is required. A good suggestion would be to learn from SeaWorld San Diego's animal conservation movement. Its Pets Rule show features a cast of rescued animals, including dogs and cats.
The show promotes pet adoption, whereby its animal stars are put up for adoption to the public when they retire from show business, and a new batch from animal shelters are trained to replace them. So what better way for our tourist icon, the Singapore Zoo, to lead the way than by advocating pet adoption through its Animal Friends Show?
Our education system could also incorporate a module on responsible pet ownership for primary schools and wider animal welfare issues in secondary schools. This could go beyond classroom discussions to excursions to animal clinics and animal shelters.
Finally, we need to enforce relevant legislation that will impose realistically punitive penalties on indiscriminate breeders and pet owners who unleash cruelty on their pets.
Critical measures would be to give the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals full authority to carry out investigations into alleged abuse cases as well as the establishment of an Animal Police Force as they have in America.
A move towards more humane animal welfare and control, and societal engagement on this issue, can happen first and foremost with a change in governmental attitude and policies. The pace of progress should not be held hostage to the notion that Singapore's animal welfare system is already better than in less developed nations.
We urge the authorities to work with non-governmental organisations and animal activists to provide synergy for change.
