Top painter saves cat first during blaze

http://www.tnp.sg/content/top-painter-saves-cat-first-during-blaze

January 16, 2013 - 12:49am

By: 

Kerri Heng

TNP PHOTO: Kelvin Chng

As a fire raged, Singapore’s first million-dollar painter made a conscious choice between art and life, and chose life.

Mr Tan Swie Hian, 69, saved a stray cat first instead of his precious paintings when a blaze broke out yesterday at Telok Kurau Studios, an artists’ community.

The 1987 Cultural Medallion winner then returned to retrieve six paintings, which he estimates to be worth about $9 million in all, from his personal collection.

He told The New Paper: “If my house is on fire, I would save the cat. Between life and art, I choose life.”

Last month, Mr Tan's painting, When The Moon Is Orbed, was sold in an auction in Beijing for $3.7 million, the biggest sum paid for a painting by a living Singaporean artist.

Read the full report in The New Paper on Wednesday (Jan 16).

Tags: 

• fire
 
• tan swie hian

On today's Sunday Times - Panel calls for tougher penalties.

On today's Sunday Times - Panel calls for tougher penalties.

'Skeleton dog' in S'pore recovers from abuse

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/-skeleton-dog--in-s-pore-recovers-from-abuse.html

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  Prince looking healthier after being rescued from a puppy mill. (Photo courtesy of Fiona Foo)

A bit of compassion and sympathy will go a long way

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=442456112467591&set=a.442456102467592.101621.203314719715066&type=1&theater

K Shanmugam Sc

Today I visited Mr Tan Cheng Chu, the gentleman whose plight has been circulating around the Internet on a video - he has a terminal illness and his main companions are his two dogs. Ms Beulah from SOSD ( Save Our Street Dogs) as well Louis Ng, from Acres, were also there. The problem is that a neighbour has been complaining to the HDB about the dogs. As a result of the complaints, HDB was left with no choice but to enforce the rules - which meant Mr Tan has been asked to give up one of his two dogs, since the HDB rules allow only one dog to be kept in a HDB flat. Listening to Mr Tan, and playing with his dogs, one thought kept going through my mind again and again - what sort of person will complain about Mr Tan keeping the dogs in such a situation ? The dogs were friendly, adorable, and obedient. The neighbour apparently could not stand the sound of scratching and the dogs playing with a ball. A bit of compassion and sympathy will go a long way but some amongst us can only think of ourselves, and can't even consider the wishes of Mr Tan, who is very ill. I told Mr Tan that I will speak with his MP, Dr Maliki Osman, so that Dr Maliki can take up the matter with HDB and the complainant. HDB is bound by its rules, though, given the circumstances, HDB has not enforced the rules for more than a year, despite the consistent complaints. HDB is, of course, in a very difficult position. I have spoken with Dr Maliki and asked him if Dr Maliki can approach the complainant and mediate, to see if the complainant can withdraw his objections. SOSD is willing to help mediate in the dispute as well. Hopefully we will get a sensible outcome. This is a situation which many MPs come across frequently. There are many rules on how various activities have to be conducted. But such rules cannot foresee every situation. And, depending on the situation, sometimes there has to be discretion exercised on how the rules should actually be applied. But frequently we will get one or two residents who will insist that the rules be enforced strictly, though the vast majority are ok with the situation. Often the complainers will be behaving unreasonably - but strictly speaking , they will be entitled to complain, and they will do so, repeatedly.
(Picture by Shin Min Daily)

Fracas over cat feeding leads to case, mediation and apologies

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151012141321065&set=a.481771586064.254313.99555921064&type=1&theater

Cat Welfare Society

Like This Page · about an hour ago via Mobile 

Note to feeders: It is important to keep calm and not resort to the tactics of others to yell, insult, intimidate. More important, feed responsibly so that we have a strong case against detractors. Remember, we are ambassadors to our community cats.

To those faced with irresponsible feeding issues, do contact NEA and CWS so that issues can be resolved amicably.

Undergrads lend a hand to furry friends

http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC120827-0000013/Undergrads-lend-a-hand-to-furry-friends

Cesar Millan's advice for dog owners in flats

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150845866711498

http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/blogs/singapore-showbiz/dog-whisperer-helps-pore-canine-leave-kennel-seven-135121445.html

Cesar Millan bringing Mango, the rehabilitated dog, for his first swim in seven years. (Yahoo! photo)

The "Dog Whisperer" has worked his magic once again.
This time, Cesar Millan, famed dog behavioural expert, successfully coaxed an aggressive dog into taking its first walk and bath in seven years.
The star of the popular TV show "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan" visited Animal Lovers League (ALL) shelter in Pasir Ris on Monday, where he did a quick workshop and live demonstration to teach volunteers how to handle common behavioural problems in dogs.
That was when he was alerted to the case of Mango, a nine-year-old dog, which had been too frightened to leave its kennel since it was left at the doorstep of ALL seven years ago.
Volunteers recounted how when they tried to take it for a walk or shower, Mango would react aggressively, threatening to bite anyone who got too close. Eventually, the volunteers backed off completely, not wanting to agitate him further.
"Mango learnt that if he puts up a fight and he shows the most vicious face, people will stop. So he learnt how to control people. But people need to learn that before they see peace, they're going to see this kind of behaviour. That's what I taught the volunteers — that all this is ok," Millan explained.
He then continued to say that Mango's problem also stemmed from his refusal to be leashed. To help Mango get used to a leash, Millan patiently presented him with a leash, putting it close to him and allowing the dog to feel it. When Mango finally calmed down, Millan put on the leash and led Mango out of the kennel, to the amazement of the volunteers.
"To me, it's an honour to take the dog out and show Singapore to Mango in one day," said an excited Millan. "A Mexican guy showing a Singaporean dog what Singapore looks like, and in rollerblades too!"
Christine Bernadette, volunteer coordinator at ALL, expressed how happy she felt for Mango, saying that he "looked so happy" touching grass and getting wet for the first time.
Millan who emphasises the importance of "exercise, discipline and affection", also advised dog owners who live in apartments to walk their dogs more since the space constraints prevents them from getting sufficient exercise.
Catch "Dog Whisperer" every Wednesday, 10pm on National Geographic Channel.

Singapore's community activism blossoming

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1173895/1/.html

At the National Day Rally in August, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had urged Singaporeans to come forward to play a larger and positive role on issues affecting the country. 

Leading the way in this effort are civil society groups such as the Cat Welfare Society. 

The society has seen public support increase steadily over the years.

But what made 2011 a milestone for the group was its engagement with the government. 

It has successfully lobbied authorities to start sterilising stray cats this year -- a shift from the old policy of culling them. 

Its vice-president Veron Lau said the Stray Cat Sterilisation Programme, which was terminated in 2005, is now back and piloting in a number of housing estates like Ang Mo Kio and Tampines. 

Under the programme, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) works with town councils to microchip and sterilise stray cats, and pays for half the cost.

"I see the change from the government officers in the way they want to work together with us," Ms Lau said.

Good Samaritans rescue cat with mouth ulcers, sores and lice

http://news.asiaone.com/News/Mailbox/Story/A1Story20120313-333094.html

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All animals deserve legal protection

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By Sia Ling Xin
my paper
Tuesday, Mar 13, 2012

If you run over an animal, there is blood on your hands.

The recent Remy Ong hit-and-run incident threw this into sharp relief for me, as did an incident last Saturday, when I witnessed a kitten being run over by a car in front of mine.

I was travelling with my father, and we immediately pulled over when we saw the accident.

Oblivious, the driver ahead didn't stop.

Kneeling on the quiet road, I picked up the kitten and saw how its head was smashed in, its features melting into pulp.

In the few steps it took to reach the safety of the pavement, the kitten took a last few quavering breaths, and died.

We were in front of a row of private houses, and a resident offered to call the authorities.

But what could be done? It was, after all, a cat that got hit.

The Road Traffic Act says that in hit-and-run cases, motorists who fail to stop and render assistance could be committing an offence, and incur a $3,000 fine or a jail term of up to a year.

That is, if the animal is a dog, horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig or goat.

There are no hard-and-fast rules for other animals.

The incident reinforced the need for steeper penalties for hit-and-run accidents involving all animals.

Mr Ricky Yeo, president of Action for Singapore Dogs, noted that the antiquated rule - enacted in the 19th century and modelled on British law - is primarily concerned about creatures with "farm value", such as a working animal, or for an animal bred for meat.

Such considerations are hardly relevant these days.

We should instead be asking: "Don't all animals feel pain as acutely as dogs and humans?"

And shouldn't those who render harm to animals be penalised?

I've seen a group of laughing school boys burying a frog alive. I have witnessed far too many children throwing things at stray cats for entertainment.

They stop only when reprimanded.

Some people decide if an act is acceptable based on whether they will be punished for it.

Not doling out harsh penalties for hit-and-run cases for all animals - and for those who abuse or neglect animals - is sending out the message that their actions are not wrong.

One good thing that has emerged from the recent hit- and-run is the loud chorus of voices deeming the incident - which also saw Ong returning to the scene for his licence plate - unacceptable.

It shows that the number of those concerned about animal welfare far outweighs the number of those who treat life callously.

It was recently announced that a work group is being set up by the Government Parliamentary Committee for National Development to review animal-welfare policies.

I await the changes that will, hopefully, be put in place to better safeguard the welfare of animals in Singapore.

For more my paper stories click here.

Chong Pang cats get feeding spot

http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20111031-307805.html

Karen Mok champions cat welfare in Singapore

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_726359.html

More offices in Singapore adopting 'longkang' stray cats

Animal neglect also a form of abuse

Animal neglect also a form of abuse

by Esther Ng

04:46 AM Sep 16, 2011

SINGAPORE - The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) received 987 reports of alleged abuse and neglect between July last year and June this year, a 15 per cent rise in such cases for the same period a year ago.

The SPCA said most people do not realise that neglect is also a form of passive cruelty. One common trend of neglect is leaving dogs unattended in locked vehicles with the engine turned off, sometimes for up to two hours.

Said SPCA executive director Corrine Fong: "Most people believe that animal abuse means causing intentional harm or death to an animal, but many do not realise that neglect is a form of passive cruelty. Severe animal neglect can be painful and even fatal to a pet."

Some examples include failure to provide an animal with enough food and water, medical care and treatment, and adequate shelter from the sun and rain.

In many cases, passive cruelty stems from ignorance on the owners' part or done out of convenience, or the inability to manage the pet or an ignorance of proper pet care, noted Ms Fong.

Several animal groups - the Cat Welfare Society (CWS), Hope Dog Rescue (HDR) and Action of Singapore Dogs (ASD) - told Today that the uptrend in animal neglect is due to an increase of awareness in animal welfare and a correlating trend in the pet trade.

"More people are buying pets but aren't prepared to love the animal, and pet shops are in the business of closing a sale," said CWS vice-president Veron Lau.

ASD president Ricky Yeo told Today that social media and camera phones have made it "easier" for people to report abuses.

Mr Yeo, who mans ASD's hotline, also noted that the welfare group has received more calls from people reporting abuse compared to the past.

Another reason for the increased incidence of neglect is that veterinary bills are "expensive and have gone up", and lifestyle change, said HRD founder Fiona Foo.

"I rescued a Schnauzer in a tiny cage, placed in a toilet for six months and was hardly fed. The owner neglected his dog of two years after the arrival of his child," she said.

Ms Fong told Today that the SPCA's efforts to highlight animal abuse could have made people more aware of animal welfare, which in turn could have led to the association receiving more reports on neglect and abuse this year.

To raise awareness on animal neglect, the SPCA will be organising an outreach event on Sept 25 at East Coast Park.

First of 50 railway station cats finds home

http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110902-297371.html

The cat's version of this story

"She was frightened by a dog and kicked by the dog owner. The cat bites that dog owner in self defence. She was provoked."

Mu Lao Hu

晚报：

读了此报告《狗主护犬遭野猫扑咬》后，我也读了Metta Cats 在面博上的回应，在此希望晚报能更了解报告中“野猫”的背景。

这只猫原本是只宠物猫。猫主并没有把猫结扎，却把猫儿在怀孕后把猫儿丢弃。猫儿后来在水沟内产下两只小猫儿。善心喂猫者为了怕猫咪被淹死而把猫咪从水沟取出。猫儿因找不到它的猫咪而伤心、哭泣了许久。

后来，这只猫儿因寻找食物而被其他的流浪猫追逐，无奈地得躲一阵子。一段日子后，它在大牌631和644 之间的走道建立了它的“地盘”。 这条走道也是居民常走过的地方。

其实，狗主如果把他们的宠物狗系好，不让狗儿接近猫儿的话，猫儿通常不会去理会狗儿。在很少的情况下，猫儿可能会因受到惊吓而攻击狗儿。猫儿通常是为了自卫而反击。狗主与狗儿可能不知觉地威胁了猫儿而促使猫儿做出反应。

恳请读者们，见到邻里的流浪猫时，请不要去骚扰或恐吓猫儿。这些猫儿大多数都已被结扎 （可看到左耳被剪了一角），性情温和。有不少居民看到邻里猫时会做出不妥当的行为，如用脚去踢猫儿，或在猫儿面前做出扰人的声响，想吓唬猫儿。这些举动对猫儿而言是种威胁的举动， 猫儿可能因为感到不安而做出反应。请家长教育小孩不要骚扰猫儿，更恳请狗主不要让狗儿接近猫儿，而把狗儿拉开。

如果读者想反应他区内邻里猫的问题的话，请与猫福利协会接洽 （网址是www.catwelfare.org）。也请读者阅读此网页，以了解协会是如何管理邻里猫的“问题”。 http://www.catwelfare.org/drupal/node/4227