I refer to Ms Balbir Kaur’s letter “Responsibility key in allowing domestic pets in public flats” (Feb 4).
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) agrees with her that pet owners in public flats should be responsible, both in terms of their animal’s care and well-being, and in relation to the community space.
The SPCA believes that education at the point of sale in commercial premises must be stepped up and enforced, as a means to counter impulse buys, which could lead to subsequent abandonment or surrender of the animal.
The number of pets commercially imported, bred and sold must also be reviewed, to establish whether there is a surplus relative to the potential number of homes available.
The SPCA continues to counsel owners, offering support and advice, in the hope that they reconsider their decision to give up their pet.
Owners with compelling reasons to give up their pet are urged to consider other avenues such as the SPCA online rehoming board, instead of surrendering it to the shelter.
Also, we have increased our efforts to find suitable foster homes for abandoned pets, to help ease the space limitation and pressure on our shelter.
Providing fosterers for these animals, particularly those with chronic health issues, enables them to be nursed back to health before being placed for adoption.
We are encouraged by Project ADORE, which allows for medium-sized, local mixed-breed dogs to be adopted and kept in public flats, provided the relevant criteria have been fulfilled and the adoption underwritten by the SPCA, Action for Singapore Dogs or Save Our Street Dogs.
To date, 27 eligible dogs have found homes in Housing and Development Board households, underwritten by the SPCA alone.
It is only with the concerted, sustained efforts of all parties involved that responsible pet ownership can flourish in our communities, making for a more peaceful and harmonious environment.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) agrees with her that pet owners in public flats should be responsible, both in terms of their animal’s care and well-being, and in relation to the community space.
The SPCA believes that education at the point of sale in commercial premises must be stepped up and enforced, as a means to counter impulse buys, which could lead to subsequent abandonment or surrender of the animal.
The number of pets commercially imported, bred and sold must also be reviewed, to establish whether there is a surplus relative to the potential number of homes available.
The SPCA continues to counsel owners, offering support and advice, in the hope that they reconsider their decision to give up their pet.
Owners with compelling reasons to give up their pet are urged to consider other avenues such as the SPCA online rehoming board, instead of surrendering it to the shelter.
Also, we have increased our efforts to find suitable foster homes for abandoned pets, to help ease the space limitation and pressure on our shelter.
Providing fosterers for these animals, particularly those with chronic health issues, enables them to be nursed back to health before being placed for adoption.
We are encouraged by Project ADORE, which allows for medium-sized, local mixed-breed dogs to be adopted and kept in public flats, provided the relevant criteria have been fulfilled and the adoption underwritten by the SPCA, Action for Singapore Dogs or Save Our Street Dogs.
To date, 27 eligible dogs have found homes in Housing and Development Board households, underwritten by the SPCA alone.
It is only with the concerted, sustained efforts of all parties involved that responsible pet ownership can flourish in our communities, making for a more peaceful and harmonious environment.
