Showing posts with label Catwelfare Society's Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catwelfare Society's Blog. Show all posts
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Removing cats will only result in endless cycle of culling
The Straits Times
STForum Online
July 20, 2009
Removing cats will only result in endless cycle of culling
MS LAU Vun Ping's letter, 'Free loan of pet traps does not solve the problem of strays' (July 8), raises an issue that the Cat Welfare Society (CWS) strongly opposes - the free loan of cat traps by the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) to residents annoyed at the nuisance caused by strays.
Removing cats does not solve the problem as new cats will move in to fill the vacuum, resulting in an endless cycle of culling. Traps, in the hands of people who are unfamiliar with or do not love cats, can also lead to mistreatment or intentional ill treatment of these animals. This runs counter to AVA's mission to promote animal welfare.
Instead, CWS encourages people to trap, then neuter the cats before releasing them back to the estate where they are managed by caregivers. This trap-neuter-release-manage (TNRM) method will effectively, and humanely, solve the cat population issue in the long run.
CWS urges AVA to reconsider its practice of loaning out traps and offering euthanasia for free as a way to resolve cat nuisance issues of private home owners and inform people about sterilisation as an alternative. It is more effective and better use of taxpayers' money to sterilise than to cull.
Ang Li Tin (Ms)
President
Cat Welfare Society
STForum Online
July 20, 2009
Removing cats will only result in endless cycle of culling
MS LAU Vun Ping's letter, 'Free loan of pet traps does not solve the problem of strays' (July 8), raises an issue that the Cat Welfare Society (CWS) strongly opposes - the free loan of cat traps by the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) to residents annoyed at the nuisance caused by strays.
Removing cats does not solve the problem as new cats will move in to fill the vacuum, resulting in an endless cycle of culling. Traps, in the hands of people who are unfamiliar with or do not love cats, can also lead to mistreatment or intentional ill treatment of these animals. This runs counter to AVA's mission to promote animal welfare.
Instead, CWS encourages people to trap, then neuter the cats before releasing them back to the estate where they are managed by caregivers. This trap-neuter-release-manage (TNRM) method will effectively, and humanely, solve the cat population issue in the long run.
CWS urges AVA to reconsider its practice of loaning out traps and offering euthanasia for free as a way to resolve cat nuisance issues of private home owners and inform people about sterilisation as an alternative. It is more effective and better use of taxpayers' money to sterilise than to cull.
Ang Li Tin (Ms)
President
Cat Welfare Society
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sterilised cats generally cause less trouble
The Straits Times
STForum Online
July 6, 2009
Sterilised cats generally cause less trouble
I REFER to last Thursday's letter by Mr Ernest Chua, 'The constant noises they created, the mess from droppings and wanton breeding made life hell for us'.
The Cat Welfare Society agrees with Mr Chua that responsible feeding and sterilisation of community cats are crucial to the harmonious coexistence of cats, caregivers and residents. That is why we advocate the trap-neuter-release-manage (TNRM) method, in which community cats are captured, sterilised and then returned to the community, where caregivers can continue to feed and care for them, as well as manage any issues arising from their presence.
Sterilised cats generally do not caterwaul, tomcats will stop spraying urine to mark their territory, and 'wanton breeding' will be prevented.
All caregivers are also encouraged to feed responsibly at ground level and clear up after the cats have eaten. This should prevent any problems arising from leftover food. Residents who face the same issues that Mr Chua once faced can try using cat repellents such as crushed mothballs and Cat Stop to repel cats from entering private premises.
Mr Chua also mentioned that the cat trap provided by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority 'proved ineffective'. It is actually easier for caregivers to do the trapping as they may understand cat behaviour better. Community cats also recognise familiar faces and are more likely to approach the caregivers. That is why caregivers play an important role for the TNRM method to be effective.
Ang Li Tin
President
Cat Welfare Society
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
RC member kicking up a fuss yet again.
Meeting with the MP
The RC member in this case was kicking up a fuss yet again.
The town council officer told the caregiver that as a result the cats would be rounded up either yesterday or today so the caregiver took half a day off work yesterday to rush to her town council to see what could be done.
No one however was able to help because her officer was not around. The GM was not around and no one knew when he'd be back. With the other two caregivers they did not know what else to do.They did manage to speak to a rather junior officer who told them he did not have much power on this issue. He did tell them that the RC had voted to have the cats removed.
The caregivers explained that the RC had voted based on misinformation - according to the RC member who called the caregiver, they had asked specifically if the cats would be killed and if that was the case they did NOT want them to be removed.
However the TC officer present had assured them they would be 'adopted'.
The officer also told them that the TC needs to work with the RC and the RC is the representative of the residents.
The caregiver said that they should perhaps consult the actual residents like herself - and apparently he told her, there was no need to.
They had spoken with the RC and they were deemed to be representative.
They decided to see the MP again and asked if I could go down with them as they had told the MP the last time they'd like to ask me to sit in as well.
While they were waiting, whom should they see but the RC chairperson, the complainant AND the town council officer all going in together to see the MP.
She happened to meet one of the RC members there and he told her quietly he did not want the cats removed. He said that he would sign a letter if she wrote one - but he told her not to bring up his name to the MP typically.
The MP said that the complainant had come in waving around HDB regulations and information about MND. He said that he had told the complainant he was very aware of this because he used to be at the AVA himself.
He told the caregivers that the TC officer told him that there was some kind of resolution that necessitated the removal of cats whenever there was one complaint.
He said that he had told the town council this was the old resolution.
He said he would try and buy some time before the next town council meeting.
He asked if the cats could be removed in the interim.
I explained the vacuum effect and he agreed that it made sense.
I also said that from what the complainant said, the cats had been removed in the past because of the complainant - but he continued to complain.
He asked the caregiver to work with the TC and the RC. We emphasised that all the caregivers WANTED to work with the TC and the RC, that the caregiver had offered the complainant a car cover and repellent, but that the complainant was the one refusing to work with them.
He told the caregivers he would try and hold off the town council till the next meeting - which was rather odd. One would think an MP would have more clout than that really.
The MP then wrote two letters which he passed to the caregiver to hand to the RC and the TC.
The caregiver thought to have a look at the letters and opened one, and was scolded by an RC member who was rather aggressive.
I asked if it was possible to have a copy of the letters and he said that it was not their policy to give copies. I said I was aware other RCs did. He asked rather rudely why a copy was needed. I told him that people in TCs and RCs change - having a copy of the letter would make it easier. I said there had been a case where the officer changed and the new officer could not find the letter. He said that the officer had been there for a number of years - which doesn't make sense to me because even if she had been there a number of years doesn't mean she would not leave at some point. He said to look for him if there was an issue (assuming of course that HE doesn't leave either).
As we were leaving, we saw a woman in one of the cubicles yelling at this rather aggressive RC member and I heard something about the police. He quickly walked away and I saw that the woman was immediately ushered into see the MP instead of the helper at the session she had been speaking to up to that point.
Labels: Meeting, RC, TC
The RC member in this case was kicking up a fuss yet again.
The town council officer told the caregiver that as a result the cats would be rounded up either yesterday or today so the caregiver took half a day off work yesterday to rush to her town council to see what could be done.
No one however was able to help because her officer was not around. The GM was not around and no one knew when he'd be back. With the other two caregivers they did not know what else to do.They did manage to speak to a rather junior officer who told them he did not have much power on this issue. He did tell them that the RC had voted to have the cats removed.
The caregivers explained that the RC had voted based on misinformation - according to the RC member who called the caregiver, they had asked specifically if the cats would be killed and if that was the case they did NOT want them to be removed.
However the TC officer present had assured them they would be 'adopted'.
The officer also told them that the TC needs to work with the RC and the RC is the representative of the residents.
The caregiver said that they should perhaps consult the actual residents like herself - and apparently he told her, there was no need to.
They had spoken with the RC and they were deemed to be representative.
They decided to see the MP again and asked if I could go down with them as they had told the MP the last time they'd like to ask me to sit in as well.
While they were waiting, whom should they see but the RC chairperson, the complainant AND the town council officer all going in together to see the MP.
She happened to meet one of the RC members there and he told her quietly he did not want the cats removed. He said that he would sign a letter if she wrote one - but he told her not to bring up his name to the MP typically.
The MP said that the complainant had come in waving around HDB regulations and information about MND. He said that he had told the complainant he was very aware of this because he used to be at the AVA himself.
He told the caregivers that the TC officer told him that there was some kind of resolution that necessitated the removal of cats whenever there was one complaint.
He said that he had told the town council this was the old resolution.
He said he would try and buy some time before the next town council meeting.
He asked if the cats could be removed in the interim.
I explained the vacuum effect and he agreed that it made sense.
I also said that from what the complainant said, the cats had been removed in the past because of the complainant - but he continued to complain.
He asked the caregiver to work with the TC and the RC. We emphasised that all the caregivers WANTED to work with the TC and the RC, that the caregiver had offered the complainant a car cover and repellent, but that the complainant was the one refusing to work with them.
He told the caregivers he would try and hold off the town council till the next meeting - which was rather odd. One would think an MP would have more clout than that really.
The MP then wrote two letters which he passed to the caregiver to hand to the RC and the TC.
The caregiver thought to have a look at the letters and opened one, and was scolded by an RC member who was rather aggressive.
I asked if it was possible to have a copy of the letters and he said that it was not their policy to give copies. I said I was aware other RCs did. He asked rather rudely why a copy was needed. I told him that people in TCs and RCs change - having a copy of the letter would make it easier. I said there had been a case where the officer changed and the new officer could not find the letter. He said that the officer had been there for a number of years - which doesn't make sense to me because even if she had been there a number of years doesn't mean she would not leave at some point. He said to look for him if there was an issue (assuming of course that HE doesn't leave either).
As we were leaving, we saw a woman in one of the cubicles yelling at this rather aggressive RC member and I heard something about the police. He quickly walked away and I saw that the woman was immediately ushered into see the MP instead of the helper at the session she had been speaking to up to that point.
Labels: Meeting, RC, TC
Monday, December 15, 2008
RC is keen on educating people about community cat management
December 15, 2008
Brochures
This is the balance for the upcoming TNRM workshop on Saturday. Some have been passed to a care-giver just now for an RC event. It was certainly heartening to learn that their RC is keen on educating people about community cat management through this event. The care-givers, on their part, are busy planning on ways to educate fellow residents about their work.
What was encouraging also, was the fact that this event was initiated by the RC - a very enlightened one, with volunteers who have done their own research on our website on the vacuum effect - in response to complaints about community cats. In a way, it is good to carry TNRM one step further throught raising awareness - to educate others about its importance so that they would also come to know and understand about it. This initiative also demonstrates how the community is working together in a self-help manner to resolve community issues.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Tanjong Katong Cat Abuse Case Update
December 14, 2008
Tanjong Katong Cat Abuse Case Update
Ivan:
Six hours ago, Salina smsed me to share that the kind-hearted lady and her partner managed to get hold of the abused cat of the above mentioned case. They managed to grab the kitty and placed it into a carrier with the caregiver’s help (the duo spotted the caregiver in the location).
We are very glad the lady’s persistence paid off. What happened was the lady has been staking out at the location for the past two days, and has been keeping in touch with Salina and myself about the progress of her search for the cat.
Back to the kitty, it was rushed to the vet immediately. At the clinic, the vet had the tightly bounded rubber bands removed. Kitty is now recuperating in the home of one of its rescuers.
According to the caregiver, this is the 2nd time rubber band was tied to the tail of this cat. I cannot imagine someone so sick to do such a thing, especially to a helpless and friendly cat. On a brighter note. It is heartening to know of such kind hearted members of the public who are willing to stake out at a location on repeated days to help a community cat. Kudos to the lady and her partner, the caregiver and all who helped in one way or another.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Cats in HDB Flats Issue revisited
December 7, 2008
Cats in HDB Flats Issue revisited
Ivan:
I went to the vet’s clinic today and was given a free copy of the Pets Magazine (Issue 17, Nov/Dec 2008). On page 36, there is an article about the ban on pet cats in HDB flats. You might want to get hold of one copy from your vet clinic or pet store. Meanwhile, past copies are available here.
For friends who aren’t aware that pet cats are banned in HDB flats, HDB’s link with the relevant information can be found here. However, the ‘problem’ as I understand from experienced HDB cat owners is ‘avoidable’ if you keep your pet cat(s) indoor, smell free (clear poo bin often), and train kitty (if meowing excessively). This is because if kitty is roaming, smelly and noisy; there is a higher chance of a neighbor complaining and HDB officer coming to your home to check on the situation.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Cats and Cars
December 7, 2008
Case on No Compromise
Salina:
It’s really really sad when things doesnt work out the day we wanted. Somewhere HERE, a management of an estate DO NOT WANT to compromise in keeping the residence cats that are merely a few sterilised cats just because people complaining they have seen that cats sitting on cars and their protocol if more than 5 complains these cats have to be removed.
Mind you, they are just sitting on cars because the weather was too cold but it seems so so extremely wrong. And I know for some people their cars are much more precious to the extend that some wash their cars almost everyday… their complaints is as simple that the car will be scratch and have paw prints etc… And I have read Dawn’s old blog on this too.
Some people are so narrow-minded and couldn’t care less about not knowing that cats do not scratch cars and doesn’t care about what will happen to the cats, for all they care are the CATS HAVE TO BE REMOVED. Solutions were given like car covers, using crush mothballs, pet repellent etc they still do not want to compromise and the the complainant who wishes to remain anoynomous DIE DIE want the cats removed even some of the cats may not be sitting on the complainant’s car.
Petition were put up for signatures of residents to allow the cats to stay merely come out to less than 10..Isn’t it sad when what you hear are people saying they don’t care about the cats and they do not want to be bothered about it and that let the management handle all matters…What kind of person could be like that? And indirectly these people are also the cause that the cats to be trapped and………..(let you all think for yourself what will happen)
Poor girl, being young (she is not even 18) her compassion for cats seems so great (and I am proud of her) that I know that when she was talking to me on the phone she seems to be in the verge of tears… She is and have been trying her best to save the only few cats at her estate - TWO that have been caught. Now one with her waiting for adoption and one relocated urgently with to another caregiver area that will help her…Writing a fax doesn’t work, they do not reply but mentioned to her that management will have a discussion.
But without reverting back their decision they suddenly come out with a memo today to residents no to feed cats and pest control will be hired to removed ALL CATS… such inhuman and cruel act… It really hurts so much when you couldn’t help enough… and I don’t care if people say that I am too emotional….
Read Singapore Laguna Park: Cats blamed for car scratches
http://catwelfare.blogspot.com/2006/11/cars-and-cats-again.html
Read Singapore Laguna Park: Cats blamed for car scratches
http://catwelfare.blogspot.com/2006/11/cars-and-cats-again.html
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