The Straits Times
STForum Online
Sep 7, 2009
More strays can be housed if HDB eases pet ownership rules
I REFER to the report, 'Wanted: Homes abroad for strays' (Aug 23). It discusses animals for adoption, specifically the search for overseas takers.
What is striking about the report is the question of why animal welfare groups have to look abroad in the first place. There are several reasons mentioned.
First, the low adoption numbers in Singapore. In the light of the no-killing policy of several organisations, adoption centres get quickly filled. Overcrowding is thus a problem.
The issue is made worse by the uncertain economy, in addition to public housing policies - size constraints and the cat ban are two key features. With 80 per cent of the population living in HDB flats, such restrictions greatly reduce the number of possible adopters. This, in turn, is a key factor that drives welfare groups to look overseas.
Keeping homeless animals waiting uses up resources which could be used to rescue others. I suggest that the HDB relax its pet ownership rules to increase animal rehousing, so local adoptions can increase.
Our shelters house many animals that are of mixed breed, maimed or ill. As Action for Singapore Dogs president Ricky Yeo pointed out, Singaporeans are generally unreceptive to 'imperfections'. As an animal lover, I find this hard to take, because it reveals a general lack of acceptance in society.
For those who cannot adopt, for economic reasons for example, volunteer work or donations to animal welfare groups will help greatly. These organisations rely on the milk of human kindness to remain efficient. I am sure any contributions will go some way to help the present situation.
Increasing public awareness and sterilising instead of culling are also key measures to minimise the needless killing of animals, and will reduce the need for overseas adoption.
Carolyn Soo (Miss)
