Recognise efforts of cat-loving volunteers

https://www.straitstimes.com/…/recognise-efforts-of-cat-lov…

Recognise efforts of cat-loving volunteers

Over the years, the number of stray cats has declined significantly.

This is due to residents who have worked tirelessly to trap these cats for neutering.

They are always on the lookout for newly abandoned cats and kittens, and they also speak to cat owners to advise them on neutering and keeping the animals indoors.

Some of these residents have registered with the Cat Welfare Society so that they can help town councils mediate in cases where there are complaints about cats.

Such unseen and unsung residents ought to be recognised for their community effort by the town councils.

All these residents ask for is that fellow residents be tolerant of the presence of cats, also called community cats, and that the town councils do not pander to a minority of complaining residents by culling these cats.

As our little island gets rapidly concretised, such community cats add a softness to the harshness of our environment.

Tan Chek Wee (Dr)

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 14, 2018, with the headline 'Recognise efforts of cat-loving volunteers'.

Talk to residents, and not just cull

http://www.todayonline.com/voices/talk-residents-and-not-just-cull

 

All Town Council property officers should learn mediation skills in resolving complaints about cats. TODAY file photo

 

From Tan Chek Wee

One of my neighbours told me recently about cat poo outside his unit and that of his immediate neighbour. I knew which cat he was referring to as I have been “managing” the cats in my neighbourhood for eight years.
I spoke to the cat’s owner, who admitted that the cat was sometimes let outdoors at night.

She accompanied me to meet the two residents, and one showed us a photograph of the cat on his phone. The owner was surprised by what her cat did in “just a short while” outdoors.
I explained that complaints to the Town Council might result in innocent cats being culled without solving the problem, as not all property officers make the effort to investigate and mediate. This was a shock to the residents, who said that they wanted the problem solved but did not want any cats killed.
The cordial conversation opened a connection among the neighbours, and the owner agreed to confine her cat to her flat.
I wish that all Town Council property officers could learn mediation skills in resolving complaints about cats, and not remove them by default, which would mean sending the cats, whether they are the cause of the complaint or not, to be killed.
How we manage animals in our midst is an indication of how graciously we have evolved as a nation.

Teach students how to treat the environment right

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/teach-students-how-treat-the-environment-right-20130114

Published on Jan 14, 2013

I WAS heartened to read the letters by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ("Good to have animal welfare module in schools: SPCA"; last Thursday) and Mr Winston Chin ("Teach kids about kindness to animals"; last Tuesday) that rightly pointed out the need to teach our younger generation to be kind to and respect animals.

As the SPCA puts it, this is the first step in teaching them empathy and compassion, as well as building moral character and a greater sense of responsibility and civic-mindedness.

I would go one step further and urge the Ministry of Education, during its process of developing the new Character and Citizenship Education syllabus, to consider the possibility of teaching our children the importance of treating our environment in a responsible manner as well, for a more holistic form of education.

Perhaps there could be a "Respect our living environment" module that comprises care for animals and plants, and sustainable living. Sustainable living would teach children ways of living that safeguard the environment, such as how to manage household waste so that most of the refuse can be recycled or used to generate energy.

My friend, who recently left for Sweden for half a year, mentioned that people over there pursued a lifestyle that took great pains to reduce every individual's use of the earth's natural resources. I am inspired by it and I believe that with the right conditions, Singaporeans will be able to achieve this too.

Low Pei Han (Ms)

Teach kids about kindness to animals

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/teach-kids-about-kindness-animals-20130108

Published on Jan 08, 2013

THE recent case of dismembered kittens in Chong Pang ("Dismembered kittens dumped in HDB corridor"; last Wednesday) has shocked me to the core.

Much has been spoken about the plight of the weak and vulnerable in our society. It is time that animals are recognised as belonging to this group.

Animals have the right to live in harmony with humans. But because they can't speak, their sufferings often go unnoticed.

Cases of animal cruelty and abandonment are on the rise. It is time for our nation to resolve to make animal cruelty history.

The Government can send out a stronger signal that it will not tolerate animal cruelty. Ultimately, it is up to every citizen to do his part.

Perhaps kindness to animals can be inculcated as part of the education curriculum, and more can be done to support the work of animal welfare organisations.

This is a test of our moral character and "heart" as a nation. Let us not be found wanting.

Winston Chin

Animal rights: How parents, public can do the right thing

http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC130104-0000053/Animal-rights--How-parents,-public-can-do-the-right-thing

                 From Ryan Chan

Updated 01:22 PM Jan 04, 2013

I refer to the report, "Animal welfare groups step up hunt for kitten killers" (Jan 3).

The statement by Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, that "how one is judged as a society can be seen - among other things - from the way one treats animals", struck a chord with me.

I live in Yishun and am proud that my constituency is the one with the pilot programme encouraging responsible cat ownership.

While it is a sign that we are becoming a more gracious society, we are some distance away from achieving that goal.

I have seen children chasing after stray cats just to give them a good scare, while their parents turn a blind eye to their antics.

What the children see as harmless fun may lead to the wrong mentality, especially when parents fail to educate them on the proper way to treat animals.

Animal rights are no less than ours and no society should tolerate the kind of behaviour that ended the two kittens' lives. It is time for harsher penalties in cases of animal cruelty. A slap on the wrist in the form of a fine cannot suffice.

The public should also help with information that could lead to the arrest of such animal abusers.

It would be the right thing to do, whether or not one is an animal lover.

Hit-and-run concerns over animals

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/hit-and-run-concerns-over-animals-20121203

Published on Dec 03, 2012

HIT-AND-RUN accidents involving animals as casualties tend to be overlooked and go unreported. My dog was a victim of a hit-and-run accident some three months ago. The impact of the hit was so great that the driver's car plate dislodged. This could be used as hard evidence to help identify the driver.
Since the accident, I have been trying to follow up with the Traffic Police about the progress of the case, but to no avail.
I understand that not everyone appreciates animals the way animal lovers and pet owners do. However, no one should attach less significance to hit-and-run cases just because they involve animals. We should learn to respect animals as fellow living beings.
I strongly urge Singaporeans to be more mindful of animals, and show more kindness to and respect for them.
Koh Wei Qi (Miss)

 

The real lesson about dolphins

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/the-real-lesson-about-dolphins-20121103
Published on Nov 03, 2012

HAVING dolphins in Resorts World Sentosa may be perceived to be educational ("Vocal minority shouldn't hold others hostage" by Mr Steven Chua; Oct 26) but bringing the animals to Singapore will do more harm than good.

Damaging the dolphins' natural habitat by uprooting and placing them in a strange habitat may be detrimental and is not an episode children should learn. We should teach children not to unnecessarily tamper with the natural world.

With the advancement of technology, children can surely learn more about dolphins without causing damage.

Joyce Choong (Miss)

Love your pets, be kind to others

http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC121102-0000026/Love-your-pets,-be-kind-to-others

From Eunice Amanda Wilbertine Nah Chief Advocate (Volunteer), Animal Welfare Global, Agency for Animal Welfare

04:45 AM Nov 02, 2012

In "Why pet policies do matter to neighbours" (Oct 17), Mr Tan Tai Lim mentioned a problem with dog urine along the walkways.

We empathise and apologise on behalf of his inconsiderate neighbours who did not clean up after their pets. We live in a community and must be kind towards one another. We wish to improve relationships in Rivervale by advising his neighbours, if his Member of Parliament (MP) could write to us.

We are contacting all MPs on pet-related disputes, and his MP would have our contact details.

We will soon assist the Housing and Development Board, town councils and the National Environment Agency on such issues.

We are launching a Kindness in the Community programme and hope to help Mr Tan and his neighbours come to a better living arrangement when such disputes arise. We are here to serve communities in our advocacy for pets through mediation, education and engagement. Pet-owners, not animals, are at fault, and we urge them to be kind to their pets by being kind to neighbours.

To improve animal welfare here, animal welfare groups need pet-owners to clean up after their pets, so that no pet may be euthanised, abandoned or evicted.

Animal welfare lobby group's wish list for a kinder S'pore

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/animal-welfare-lobby-groups-wish-list-kinder-spore-20121027

Published on Oct 27, 2012

WE ARE pleased that Professor Tommy Koh spoke for the defenceless and voiceless animals at the second National Conference On Kindness ("Are Singaporeans kind or unkind? Prof Koh's checklist"; Sunday).

In his speech, he said that he was appalled by reports of cruelty towards animals.

In our group's journey with the Singapore Kindness Movement, we appeal to the following sectors:

- The Government, for policies to reflect kindness to animals. For instance, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was not well-supported by police investigations when a Sengkang resident allegedly beat a pomeranian to death in public in 2010. Singapore has seen evidence of animal neglect and abuse during the 2010 Pasir Ris puppy mill rescue.

Animal welfare groups have been waiting since last year to partner the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) to co-inspect all local puppy mills to ensure kinder treatment of breeding dogs, and will continue to press the issue.

- Pet shops: Do not buy puppies below the age of 12 weeks without the necessary vaccinations and without seeing the condition of the puppy's parents. If the parents are unhealthy and kept in unkempt pens, do not buy from the breeder as the puppy may be a carrier of congenital diseases.

- Singaporeans without pets: Be kind to animals and pet-keepers. If there are issues with a pet-keeping neighbour, find a humane solution by pressing for pet-keepers to be educated on responsible pet-keeping rather than seek to evict the animal.

- Pet-keepers: Be responsible and pick up after pets. Re-use small plastic bags and learn the fun technique of bagging poo. Just as it is the parents' responsibility to bring up their children to be good citizens, we need to lead our pets towards good pet citizenship through kind guidance too.

Eunice Amanda Wilbertine Nah (Ms)

Chief Advocate

Animal Welfare Global

Agency for Animal Welfare

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151062763316065&set=a.10150229629331065.312192.99555921064&type=1&theater

Straits Times 21 Oct 2012
"In search of a gentler Singapore"

Animal Cruelty
"As an animal lover, I am appalled by the reports I read of cruelty towards animals."

1

Empowering animal welfare groups

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/empowering-animal-welfare-groups-20121006

Published on Oct 06, 2012

WE HAVE seen an increase in animal welfare awareness through the news in the aftermath of the landmark 75-dog Pasir Ris puppy mill rescue in 2010 ("Give your views on animal welfare law"; Sept 6).

Singapore lags behind developed countries in empowering animal welfare groups to do more, such as policing actions for animal abuse.

The 2010 case of Butters the dog, showcased in an online video, left many aghast at the official conclusion that Butters was not being abused and would continue to suffer in silence. If it were a child or an elder, there would have been immediate action taken.

We need to do better. The signs and symptoms of abuse are universal. As a nation, we are guilty of neglect by turning a blind eye to the abuse of any living thing and not doing anything to stop it. It is time to empower animal welfare groups now.

Eunice Amanda Wilbertine Nah (Ms)

Chief Advocate (Volunteer)

Animal Welfare Global

Ensure better protection of animals against cruel acts

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/ensure-better-protection-animals-against-cruel-acts-20120925

Published on Sep 25, 2012

THE Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) thanks Dr Andy Ho ("Let's talk about animal welfare"; Sept 14) for highlighting the Animal Welfare Legislation Review, which marks a milestone in animal welfare here.

We hope it will result in much improved legislation to protect animals against cruel acts, including wanton neglect.

As long as there are economic factors affecting animal industries - whether factory farming or commercial breeding and sale of pets - it seems that the welfare of the animals involved is often left out of the equation.

In New Zealand, which Dr Ho referred to, the SPCA does not have to go through the attorney-general or public prosecutor to take perpetrators of animal cruelty to task legally, unlike in Singapore, where no independent parties have the legal standing to seek action by the courts.

This can be a serious hurdle to action when there are differences of opinion between the authorities and the SPCA in terms of what constitutes a cruel act.

We support Dr Ho's suggestion to introduce codes of welfare here, as has been done in New Zealand.

Currently, there is an ongoing review of New Zealand's Animal Welfare Act 1999, and there are indications that the codes of welfare it currently has will be changed into regulations.

The reason is that the codes are not directly enforceable (in particular, the production animal codes for layer hens, pigs and meat chickens).

So, failing to meet the minimum standard under a code may not necessarily relate directly to an offence under its Act, making it difficult to prosecute for non-compliance of the minimum standard in the relevant code of welfare.

So we hope that if the authorities were to introduce codes of welfare here, the codes would make reference to specific offences under the relevant Act.

For instance, if a person, company or corporate body failed to meet a minimum standard within a code of welfare, they would breach the Animals and Birds Act and would be liable upon conviction to a fine or imprisonment.

Last December, we submitted a proposal for legislative reform, which included a recommendation to consider a separate, standalone Act, that is, an animal welfare Act.

The setting up of an independent animal welfare advisory committee was also suggested in our proposal, as is the case in New Zealand and Australia.

Deirdre Moss (Ms)

Animal Welfare Director

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Singapore can do more for animal welfare

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/singapore-can-do-more-animal-welfare-20120922

Published on Sep 22, 2012

IN ADDITION to the welfare of pets and farm animals, the Government should also look into taking proactive steps on wildlife conservation ("Let's talk about animal welfare"; Sept 14).
Singapore is a member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites).
At meetings of member countries, animal protection proposals are discussed. Countries then vote in acceptance or rejection of the proposals to protect animal species. Each country is entitled to a single vote, and Singapore's vote is represented by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA).
If two-thirds of the member countries vote against a proposal to protect a particular species, the proposal falls, regardless of the animal's conservation status, be it endangered or critically endangered.
Many considerations, such as economic impact, support from citizens and political relationships with countries that could be potentially affected by the new proposal, often take precedence over the need to conserve a particular species.
As a result, many proposals to protect endangered animal species have been consistently rejected throughout the years by different countries, due to a variety of reasons that disfavour protection of an animal species.
Today, many endangered species are still freely sold in Singapore.
Critically endangered southern bluefin tuna and endangered bluefin tuna are sold as sashimi in Japanese restaurants. Chinese restaurants are still selling shark's fin relatively freely, despite the fact that many shark species are threatened by extinction today.
Horns of critically endangered saiga antelopes are still being used to make "cooling drinks" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
More than 70 per cent of local TCM stores are either selling full-sized horns, horn shavings or drinks made from their horns, because traders are allowed to sell their horns as long as they have a Cites permit.
At the Cites Conference of the Parties in March next year, a proposal to legalise the elephant ivory trade will be brought to the table for voting, putting the lives of elephants on the line once again.
Because the AVA holds a vote in Cites, Singapore has an important role to play towards conservation.
At the upcoming conference, the Government should vote based on environmental responsibility. All products derived from endangered animals must be banned.
Jennifer Lee (Ms)
Founder
Project: WILD
Project: FIN

Nutrient needs vital, but planning for healthy vegan diet is easy

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/nutrient-needs-vital-planning-healthy-vegan-diet-easy-20120824
Published on Aug 24, 2012

LAST Saturday's article ("Baby boomers, beware of going vegetarian") cites the increasing popularity of vegetarian diets in response to links between meat diets and such health problems as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

It cautions baby boomers about the need to plan their diets carefully if they choose to move away from meat.

I am a baby boomer, now aged 60.

I have been a vegetarian for more than 30 years and a vegan for the past 10 years; the difference being that a vegan is a vegetarian who eats no food from animals, such as dairy products or eggs.

I agree that vegetarians must pay attention to nutrients such as protein, calcium and vitamin B12 and there are bona fide bodies like the American Dietetic Association which offer planned diets for vegetarians (and everyone else).

Fortunately, planning a healthful, plant-based diet is easy, quick and inexpensive.

With the exception of vitamin B12, a vegetarian or vegan can obtain the necessary nutrients while enjoying a range of delicious, widely available plant foods.

For instance, calcium is found in sesame seeds, almonds, bok choy, broccoli, lady's finger (above), tempeh and tofu.

Also, some foods are fortified with nutrients such as calcium and vitamin B12, and supplements are widely available.

While baby boomers were taught that animal-based foods were our only protein source while we were growing up, we know now that protein is also found in many plant foods, including beans, grains, nuts and seeds.

To me, the most powerful reason for eating only plant-based foods concerns not health but kindness towards our fellow animals.

In my lifetime, a major change has taken place in how animal foods reach our tables.

We live now in the era of the factory farm, where animals, even fishes, are crowded together in unnatural conditions during their increasingly short lives; for instance chickens live only six weeks.

I am happy to spend a little time planning my diet so that I can avoid participation in this cruel system of food supply and instead support a kinder way of eating.

George Jacobs

President

Vegetarian Society (Singapore)

 

Wildlife affected by excessive development

http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_825042.html

Published on Jul 23, 2012


IN THE heartland area between Bukit Batok Road and the Kranji Expressway, opposite Bukit Batok West avenues 2 and 7, a large portion of the land belonging to the military has been slated for development by the Urban Redevelopment Authority master plan ('Preserving Singapore's green heartland'; July 14).

Already, the area opposite Brickland Road along the canal - the former Keat Hong camp - has been flattened for Tengah Build-to-Order flats.

Also, the woodland area opposite Teck Whye Avenue and the HDB estate has suffered a loss of greenery because of the construction of the Hillvista condominium.

I moved into the neighbouring estate 12 years ago for the greenery, which has been reduced over the years.

I have kept my eyes open for butterflies all these years and have noticed the disappearance of particular species around the area. What used to be common has become rather uncommon, and the rare ones are probably extinct in the area, such as the Jungle Glory butterfly, Thaumantis noreddin, which is now considered extinct on the main island.

I am speaking only of the butterflies, but this is indicative of the adverse impact of the clearance of woodlands on the biodiversity of the area.

Will the authorities consider the biodiversity involved, given that the area slated for development is a rather large piece of land? Clearing it could affect weather patterns in the west area (known for more rainfall), and give rise to flooding. And what about the birds, butterflies and other wildlife inhabiting or visiting the area en route perhaps to green areas elsewhere?

Steven Chong

More 'flight' than 'fight' in wild boars

http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_815352.html

Published on Jun 27, 201

HAVING lived in Thomson Road for 16 years, I have had my fair share of wild boar sightings, which have increased over the past few years.

Many of these wild boars have more 'flight' than 'fight' in them.

They usually appear late at night when there are few people around. When they are startled by passing cars, they hurriedly dash back into the forested area.

I do not deny that wild boars can be a threat to public safety, but then again, wouldn't most wild animals attack if cornered?

Culling wild boars is not the way to control their population. Fencing up the places where they are often sighted would be a better solution, to prevent not only wild boars from venturing out, but also other wildlife that wander around and get run over by passing cars.

It would be a safer option for both the wildlife and the public.

I remember getting very excited over my first wild boar sighting, and I still get that feeling every time I spot one.

I am sure many people who do not live around forested areas will also be as thrilled. Some people even take their families to these areas to catch a glimpse of the wildlife, such as monkeys and wild boars.

I hope the wild boars will be spared. Let us enjoy nature in our urban city.

Teng Jiahui (Miss)

 

Culling wild boars: Explore humane options

http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_814983.html

Published on Jun 26, 2012

THERE is currently insufficient scientific data to support the proposed culling of wild boars. We are not calling for no action to be taken, but for humane solutions to be explored.

Two reasons were given for culling wild boars, and both have not been properly justified ('Why wild boars have to be culled'; June 16).

The first reason is that the wild boar population is surging, and this has a detrimental impact on our forests.

At a meeting with non-governmental organisations last month, however, the National Parks Board (NParks) stated that the current carrying capacity for wild boars in our forests is 500.

This means that our forests can sustain a maximum of 500 wild boars.

NParks also stated that the current population of wild boars in Singapore is between 200 and 300; this is about half the maximum carrying capacity.

Scientifically, there is no need to cull the wild boars yet.

All other arguments provided, such as the 'detrimental impact on our forests', are based on impressions rather than proper scientific studies.

More studies need to be conducted before a conclusion is made and any action taken.

The second reason given is public safety, which is undoubtedly important.

The reality, however, is that 'wild boars are not aggressive by nature, but all wild animals will attack if provoked'.

Culling in response to public safety does not address the root of the problem.

Wild boars will venture out of our forests if we continue to have fruit-bearing plants in the areas bordering our nature reserves. Wild boars simply do not understand that they have to remain in the nature reserves and that they will be killed if they venture out.

To address the issue of public safety, NParks should consider fencing up hot spots where wild boars have been spotted, and erecting signs on the road to urge motorists to slow down.

Other countries have already fenced up their protected areas, and this recommendation has been suggested by the public for the past few years.

We have been working with NParks to clamp down on the poaching of wild boars, and it has been actively destroying wild boar traps found in our forests. It would seem contradictory to now cull the wild boars we fought so hard to protect.

We live in a highly urbanised city and there will be more human-wildlife conflicts. Let us promote tolerance, compassion and respect for other species we share this island with.

Louis Ng

Executive Director

Animal Concerns Research and Education Society

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/-singapore-has-a-wild-boar-problem--khaw.html


While Khaw hoped that all species of animals can have their place under the sun in their natural habitat, he said his priority is towards “protecting our babies: that they will be safe and grow up well, happy, and be able to fulfil their dreams”.

Zero tolerance for animals that don't fit into our lifestyle has to change

http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_812836.html

Published on Jun 20, 2012

I AM dismayed by last Saturday's report ('NParks defends wild boar decision') and the letter from the National Parks Board ('Why wild boars have to be culled: They destroy forests'), which suggested that the way to deal with Singapore's wild boar population is to kill them.

These wild boars live in a protected nature reserve.

In the name of progress, we have been pushing indigenous flora and fauna to extinction or to the outskirts of subsistence.

Our zero tolerance for plants and animals that do not fit into our lifestyle has to change if we claim to be environmentally and culturally advanced.

Already we cull crows because we deem these intelligent birds a menace. Now wild boars are deemed a menace.

Wild boars do not attack people unless they are provoked, manhandled or threatened - much like house pets.

Respect wildlife and nature while we still have the privilege. Culling is not a solution when this group of home-grown wild boars has managed to set up home in our nature reserve despite the odds.

If we must intrude into their peaceful existence in an area that was created to protect them, why not explore sterilisation first?

Katarina Tan (Ms)

(This letter carries 33 other names)

Snapped in the neighbourhood

 

Ms Ravi snapped this picture of wild boars rummaging in an undisclosed neighbourhood some six months ago. -- PHOTO: CHRISTINE BERNADETTE RAVI

Published on Jun 20, 2012

I HAVE encountered wild boars on the streets while taking part in a street dog project, where we feed and sterilise street dogs to prevent their population from growing ('Why wild boars have to be culled'; last Saturday).

The wild boars are calm, gentle and extremely good-natured. In fact, many of them share their meals with the street dogs we feed. I remain unconvinced that they will harm the public.

Christine Bernadette Ravi (Ms)

Volunteers and AVA should work together

http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC120615-0000012/Volunteers-and-AVA-should-work-together

From Tan Ai Ling

04:45 AM Jun 15, 2012

I read the report "Speed up efforts to regulate pet trade, SPCA urges" (June 9) with equal parts anger and frustration.

Irresponsible, wannabe owners are aware of the fates of abandoned pets: Being run over, starving to death or attacked. But the numbers have gone up because owners are also aware that no one can trace their nasty deed.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) conducts licensing checks to "safeguard the welfare of animals in dog farms and pet shops", but how successful would these be in reducing pet abandonment if the crux of the problem is not addressed?

AVA's efforts and animal welfare groups' dialogues with important people have not resulted in much support in this area. Education must be backed by pre-emptive and preventive measures.

Singapore is a model of efficiency; we initiate and implement policies at every level to improve lives and create a society we can be proud of. So, I support the call to microchip and license at the point of sale.

Tireless volunteers spend time and effort to educate, but they need to work in partnership with the AVA. Only the latter can support the implementation of business practices and enforce them, or else it would be an exercise in futility.

Explore more humane ways to reduce wild board population

http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_810128.html

Jun 13, 2012


DO WE have sufficient scientific data to convince us that our native flora and forest ecology are being compromised because of wild boars ('Crossbows to cull wild boar'; Monday)?


Likewise, do we have sufficient data to show how wild boars contribute to our ecosystems, such as by dispersing seeds?


Has a census of wild boars been conducted?


It seems to me that more study needs to be done before culling of wild boar may even be considered.

My discussions with fellow wildlife activists point to the fact that using crossbows as a culling method is inhumane. Numerous reports state that rarely is there a chance of an instantaneous kill, even with experienced archers. Instead, an animal hit with an arrow endures prolonged suffering before it dies.


Alternative methods, like contraception, could be explored.


Also, public education about wildlife needs to be stepped up. Signs such as 'wild animals crossing' should be placed along roads where wild boars have been observed.


And if culling needs to be done as a last resort, surely there are more humane methods. What about sedating the wild boar first?


I am heartened that the National Parks Board is open to considering this.


Vilma D'Rozario (Ms) 

Not Illegal to Feed Cats at Void Decks

My Paper
Viewpoints
22nd May 2012