The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) thanks Ms Anita Chew for her concerns, in “When will S’pore recognise tethering, crating of dogs as cruelty?” (Jan 27) and agrees that constant, long-term confinement of dogs is cruel. The SPCA receives reports of these cases regularly, such as the one she mentioned.
Besides trying to improve the conditions for the animal, through counselling of the owner or follow-up visits, we refer cases to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, the sole authority empowered to act under the Animals and Birds Act.
The effects of prolonged confinement are many. Dogs subjected to restricted movement in a confined space become frustrated and bored, leading often to a host of other problems involving physical and mental stress. Also, in this tropical climate, animals can die of heatstroke if constantly tethered or caged in extreme heat.
The SPCA maintains that all owners have a duty of care to house their dogs in a safe, comfortable environment conducive to well-being, while ensuring that their pets receive appropriate exercise daily, preferably in the early morning/evening or night.
With the recent amendments to legislation, we hope that animal welfare enforcement will be improved, and a clear message sent that prolonged confinement of animals will not be tolerated. How we care for our animals is a reflection on our society as a whole, and it is important to take action when they are ill-treated in any way.
Besides trying to improve the conditions for the animal, through counselling of the owner or follow-up visits, we refer cases to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, the sole authority empowered to act under the Animals and Birds Act.
The effects of prolonged confinement are many. Dogs subjected to restricted movement in a confined space become frustrated and bored, leading often to a host of other problems involving physical and mental stress. Also, in this tropical climate, animals can die of heatstroke if constantly tethered or caged in extreme heat.
The SPCA maintains that all owners have a duty of care to house their dogs in a safe, comfortable environment conducive to well-being, while ensuring that their pets receive appropriate exercise daily, preferably in the early morning/evening or night.
With the recent amendments to legislation, we hope that animal welfare enforcement will be improved, and a clear message sent that prolonged confinement of animals will not be tolerated. How we care for our animals is a reflection on our society as a whole, and it is important to take action when they are ill-treated in any way.
