Thursday, October 13, 2011

We are their voice

Some time in July, the Ministry of National Development launched the Pet Ownership and Stray Management Review. 

It was a pleasant surprise for us all. This has been something that all animal welfare groups, animal activists and plain animal lovers have been hoping for but which has unfortunately failed to materialise in the past few decades. 

Now that it has, it is time to speak up and speak loud for our furry friends, because this opportunity doesn't come easy.




We have only got two weeks till the end of October. That is roughly when the feedback portal will be closed to the public. 

This isn't a blog post per se. In this entry, we present to you Gentle Paws' contribution to the Ministry's review. While we understand that the review covers all pets and stray animals, we only focus on the issue of stray dogs.

Our proposal to the Ministry probably doesn't contain anything that you haven't heard of before. What we have done is to try and tackle the most pertinent problem of overpopulation. We have put together recommendations and suggestions that have been raised in the past at one time or another for a holistic overview.

We hope to make Singapore a better place for our canine counterparts. If you agree with our views, please drop us an email at isay.gentlepaws@gmail.com with your name, email address and contact number. We hope to compile your names into a list and attach it to a copy of the proposal we are sending to the Ministry. Together, we believe we have a greater chance of being heard. 

Help us help them! Thank you. 

It's a rather long article. So take a deep breath, ready yourself... And here we go!


A Shelter's View: The Gentle Paws Proposal on Pet Ownership and Stray Management in Singapore





Introduction: First class nation, third class animals?

We are extremely grateful for the Pet Ownership and Stray Management Review launched by the Ministry of National Development. Being active in the dog shelter scene, we all know that where laws are concerned, there is only so much that animal groups and activists can do.

It is our view that laws should not be rigid, but flexible to suit an evolving society. And our society is indeed evolving. Our economy has become more sophisticated, our citizenry more educated and our population more diversified. But in the midst of our development, due to unchanging laws, the weak, the needy and the voiceless have been left behind.

Stray animals fall into this very group. For a small island city like Singapore, there are sure more strays crying out for help than there appears to be.  As Singapore gradually turns half a century old in the next 3 years, it’s high time these creatures be given the respect that they deserve.

Below, we highlight the main problem of overpopulation and make some recommendations that we sincerely urge the committee overseeing this review to take into consideration.


The Problem - Overpopulation

There is a massive overpopulation of dogs in our country today. Based on an article in the TODAY paper dated 16 April 2011, AVA has to put down 95% of the 1,800 dogs it impounds annually by lethal injection. But is killing stray dogs the only way to solve the problem? There is also much to be said for the manner in which these stray dogs are captured. As we move toward a First World status, we ought to consider a kinder, more humane way to deal with the problem. 





1)      To eradicate unethical capturing of stray dogs
Ghandi famously said that “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” This is so often quoted that it has become something of a cliché. But the quote remains ever popular because there is so much truth in its simplicity. Singapore has achieved much in the past half a century or so. But let’s not stop there. As we march toward the next half of the century, let us truly achieve greatness by treating our furry friends with dignity and respect. After all, Singapore is their home too. 



The AVA currently employs independents as well as pest control companies to catch stray dogs and put them down. These parties receive a $250 commission for each dog captured.  While AVA asserts that external dog catchers have to comply with AVA’s guidelines for capture, handling and transport of animals and the use of animal traps, one wonders why these guidelines are not made transparent and accessible to the public. The guidelines are certainly not found on the AVA website.

Because dog catchers have been seen to use cruel methods such as fishing lines and hooks, mattress spring coils and wire nooses at the end of poles that cut into the animal’s neck as it is dragged into the van, animal activists and welfare groups are keen to find out the criteria for the capture of stray dogs. Are the mild tempered, harmless and/or sterilised dogs put down uniformly with the more aggressive, dangerous and/or unsterilised ones? Or are dog catchers instructed to simply make a clean sweep of all and any dog that they come across in a specified area?

Both the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Cat Welfare Society (CWS) have published feasible and humane guidelines on animal capture. One wonders why there remains no initiative on the part of the authorities to encourage or formalise any collaboration between pest control companies commissioned to catch stray dogs and animal welfare groups keen to lend a helping hand.

There are so many questions but because of a lack of transparency, they are simply not being answered.

In May this year, the National Parks Board called for tenders to cull 20 stray dogs from Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West and 15 from East Coast Park, Changi Beach Park or Pasir Ris Park. Culling of dogs seems to be the first solution that arises when in fact, it ought to be a method of last resort. Before the issue of culling even comes into the picture, one ought to consider whether it is possible to sterilise the strays and eventually rehabilitate them.


2) To provide support for the stray sterilisation program

One method to deal with the issue of overpopulation of dogs is to sterilise the existing ones, so as to contain the population. Animal welfare groups spend time and money conducting these sterilisation programs only to see the dogs they sterilised captured by the authorities.  The cost of sterilisation for a dog ranges from $80 to $200, depending on gender and age. Yet, these efforts are so easily reversed by dog catchers who make a clean sweep of all stray dogs in their way, sterilised or not. It is a frustrating and disappointing process for these animal welfare groups. We urge the authorities to provide support for a program as meaningful as the stray dog sterilisation program.


3) To review and eradicate HDB’s blanket prohibition on mongrels




Mongrels are discriminated against under the HDB policy. It is illegal to keep a mongrel in a HDB flat, even if it is as small in size as a Chihuahua and it has a mild, docile temperament. HDB’s blanket ban on mongrels is rigid and discriminatory. With 80% of the population living in HDB flats, the blanket ban is depriving mongrels of many well-deserved homes. It is an obstacle in the quest to reduce the population of stray dogs, who are mostly mongrels. Besides, the blanket ban does not necessarily achieve what it sets out to do. People are forced to circumvent the rule by having their dog licensed under a friend’s private address or worse, not licensing at all. One owner we know went as far as to debark his dog to ward off trouble from interfering neighbours and authorities. On a broader note, what kind of message are we sending by giving such blatant preferential treatment to pure bred dogs? Mongrels are not an inferior breed and should not be treated as such.


4) To review and eradicate HDB dog policy that is based on the size of the dog




The HDB policy on dogs should not be based on size. Many house pets are discarded because owners downgrade from a private residence to a public HDB flat. Even if their dog is a friendly, gentle and harmless cocker spaniel, they are unable to take it with them. HDB policy ought to be based on the general temperament of a particular breed of dog, instead of the size of the dog. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels are, despite their size, generally gentler and mellower dogs. They are also examples of breeds which are more popular in Singapore. There is no reason why they should be excluded under HDB’s blanket ban. Ironically, it is the small toy dogs which HDB allows that are noisier and barkier as compared to their larger counterparts.

As for mongrels, it is suggested that small to medium sized mongrels ought to be allowed in HDB flats, as long as they are properly licensed and micro-chipped. Even if it is unacceptable that medium sized mongrels be included under the HDB policy, it should never be a blanket ban. License should still be granted on a case-by-case basis based on the dog’s temperament. Clear guidelines ought to be drawn on the criteria used for assessment. 

Perhaps the concern culminating in the HDB policy on dogs is that HDB living is a form of communal living. Some homeowners might have a fear of dogs. Others have religious reasons for avoiding dogs. But a blanket ban on medium to large sized dogs is simply not the answer to this situation. Condominium living is a type of communal living as well. In fact, the communal areas in condominiums are much narrower than HDB flats these days. Yet condominium owners, whether dog owners or not, manage to get on harmoniously. 

The solution lies not in implementing a blanket ban but in reforming our laws to cultivate responsible pet ownership. All dogs that are house pets ought to be vaccinated and microchipped. They are to be leashed in all public areas. If the dogs are unruly and are a nuisance to the neighbours, the owner ought to be fined or made to go for a mandatory obedience training class with his pooch. Dog owners who do not clean up after their dog in parks and public places should be similarly punished. There is much scope to improve laws and regulations to promote responsible pet ownership.

This is not the first time that members of the public have called for the HDB rules to be reviewed. However, it appears that the authorities have yet to respond.  It must be emphasised that rules ought not to be rigid. The current blanket ban only addresses short term problems. It is time for an overhaul of the current rules to attain a workable long term solution to reduce the overpopulation of dogs in our country.


5) To review licensing of breeders and implement a system to ensure that breeding is done ethically




Breeders contribute greatly to the overpopulation problem that currently exists. Yet it is so easy to become a breeder. All that appears to be required is simply to rent a space, get the dogs and pay for the dog licenses. While conditions for Pet Shop Licenses are carefully set out, the same is not done for breeders. Are breeders who sell the puppies bred equivalent to that of pet shops? More clarification seems to be needed. Dog licenses for breeders ought to be significantly higher than that of house pets or shelter dogs. The reality however is that the cost of licensing one breeder dog is less than half the amount needed for that of a pet dog. The AVA website states that dog licenses for a “dog farm” with less than 100 dogs costs just $650 per annum. This means that the license for each dog is a mere $6.50 per year which is less than the $14 pet owners pay for their pet dogs! This is unacceptable and we implore the authorities to look into the matter.

Breeding of dogs needs to be contained and controlled to ensure that it is done so ethically. The recent puppy mill scandals have shown that rogue breeders are a dime a dozen. Instead of clamping down on innocent stray dogs, we ought to shift our attention to errant dog breeders. It should be mandatory for breeders to undergo a course on responsible breeding of animals. The breeder should also be made to submit a proposal on the manner the farm is to operate, to be approved by the relevant authorities. 


Conclusion: It’s their world too




If you feel the same way as we do, please drop us an email with your name, email address and contact number so that we can add you to our list of people in support of the above proposal. If you wish to obtain a copy of our article with all the proper citations and footnotes, please drop us an email as well. Please direct all your emails regarding the above to isay.gentlepaws@gmail.com. We thank you for your time. 

150 comments:

  1. Wow, yes, I support this initiative! Although I havent had the time to read everything, I'm sure you wouldve had many 'obstacles' addressed.

    Good job! Keep me posted!

    Dog lover
    hannah (clywdo@hotmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great proposal, succinct and with good suggestions!

    I too posted a suggestion to that portal on the first day it opened. One of HDB's concerns is that allowing medium/large dogs in flats would compromise the welfare of the dogs in case they get cooped up in a cramped flat, and also it might result in more HDB flat-owners rushing to fulfill their long-held dreams of owning a golden retriever or border collie, probably leading to even more abandonment cases. So I suggested that medium/large dogs be allowed ONLY IF they are mongrels, because a mongrel in a flat is better than a mongrel on the street. It's definitely a +100% in its welfare! And it won't result in a huge spike in demand for retrievers and other 'cute pedigree' puppies.

    - Sheena

    ReplyDelete
  3. Definitely support!! Especially the part on size of dogs that is allowed in flats to reduce abandoned pets when owners down grade! That will help a lot in bigger dogs getting adopted too!

    Great Job done!

    Stacey (okb_0203@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Strongly support!!

    Lee Shok Li
    shokali@yahoo.com.sg

    I did the survey and i added that education is very important too. Singapore has failed to stress to Singaporeans about responsible pet ownership and to be kind to animals. Sadly, it's still very immature in terms of animal welfare. Please keep us posted!

    ReplyDelete
  5. i strongly agree with the above post
    i do not see why large dogs are not allowed in hdb
    there are many adopters out there who lives in hdb and wants to adopt a dog but because they are not hdb approved, they dropped the idea. yes, i am one of them D:
    also, the limit of 1 dog per hdb is.. ridicules

    ReplyDelete
  6. answeredprayer@gmail.com
    Oon Yu Xin

    ReplyDelete
  7. Definitely support! well said! We should not condone the evil breeders and let the poor dogs be put down for human's greed and evil.
    The suggestions will help tremendously if they are even acted on earlier!!
    It is disturbing that AVA gives commission for taking lives! Speechless!
    My email add is d_gui@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Definitely Support! Hope it will materialise.

    Magngjewel@yahoo.com.sg

    ReplyDelete
  9. Definitely supported!

    Daphne
    mitsueki@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. http://app.mnd.gov.sg/PetOwnershipandStrayManagementReview.aspx

    Hi people, you can go this website to suggest your opinion as well. I already suggest mine and supporting this post as well.(:

    Cheers,

    ReplyDelete
  11. Support!

    Sara Ang
    Saraang.hr@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ivy Quek
    pinkyspree@yahoo.com.sg

    ReplyDelete
  13. Unice Tan
    kitty-mai@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I support! :)

    Camie Low
    nettlenixie@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. i support this!

    Joash Loh
    joash.loh@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Support!

    Alan Lim
    beckham2087@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. iSupport

    Wah Chun
    wahchun927@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Pledging my full support behind this

    Heather
    chensulin3@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Support.
    As a volunteer, animal lover and plain, Singaporean I support.
    This should've came earlier.

    JT
    daicamilia@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. SUPPORT!

    Michelle
    michloh.87@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Strongly supporting for Mongrel to residing in HDB.

    Derrick Tan
    tkhderrick@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. i support!

    Weini
    tanweini89@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Full support :)

    Alena
    xinyi.lim@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
    - well said

    Sarah
    sarah_oh_nt@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I think the government should educate their citizens than going around culling the strays.

    Some of them just throw their dogs away just because they know they are old and sick. I doubt there isn't any responsibility at all.

    Pei Jin
    blur_blur1986@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Strong support on your proposal. AVA shd give u the $$$ to support u and not to captured dogs and put them to sleep. Every Vet clinics shd support you with giving free sterlization for animals.

    Leslie Lee
    leslie.lee@pacific.net.sg

    ReplyDelete
  27. support support!!

    CH Boo
    chboo@doglover.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is a wonderful and hopefully we can have better laws for the dogs and I definitely support bigger dogs in hdbs as well.. Hopefully the MMD will hear our voices.

    Peter See
    shc@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Really hope HDB would just review these suggestions. I used to have 2 English Cocker spaniels in my previous HDB flat, yes illegally. They were so mellow that my neighbors didn't know that we had 2 dogs at home till like 2 years later when we bump into them at the park walking the dogs.

    I would strongly recommend that the Ministry of National Development & HDB would review the policy again as really some medium/largedogs are mellower than the small ones.

    And I would adopt another medium size dog if I have the opportunity to do so.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I support this!

    Roxanne
    ruxie86@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Supported!

    Yuh Ning
    mah_christine@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love this article, entirely speaking my thoughts! Whether Chinese or not, cats or not, we definitely need to live harmoniously. Our Singapore Pledge shall not limit to human only, furry friends too!

    Mohr Lau Poey Fong
    poeyfong@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Furkids are our best friends. We must do all we can to help! Support all the way.

    Lim Kim Chye
    kim110913@yahoo.com.sg

    ReplyDelete
  34. Fully support our furry friends, Good job!

    ReplyDelete
  35. fully support :)
    Geraldine
    wong_geraldine@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Support! Amanda, amandawmd@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. SUPPORT. Ben, malzra87@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I Fully Support!!
    Kip up the good work folks..
    Rachel, raczheng_28@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Very well-written. It's taken my words off me. You've covered everything. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Support!

    sophiewillocq@gmail.com

    Perhaps you could actually consider opening an actual petition or somewhere where we can see and contribute more easily in terms of names? Then it'd be easier to share the link.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Support :) :)

    Michelle Teo
    teomeesun@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Jocelyn Lee
    onceuponarainbow-x@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. 100% support!!!

    Chen Meiru
    Lulubee2202@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. count me in!

    Rachel Foo
    rachelfc81@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. support :)

    chloe yeo
    khloeyeo@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. SUPPORT
    Toh Fei Li
    feii.-.feii@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Ting ting

    t1ng_et@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Supporting!

    Fanny
    fannyloveshow@hotmail.com!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Support! Also wish they review the one dog per HDB.

    Kathy
    kathyhlw08@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Agree on all points!
    There needs to be a more informed and well-thought out regulation than blanket ones just to make things easier for the authorities.
    Also, errant breeders are getting rampant and should be heavily scrutinized.

    Dorothy
    radial95@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. SUPPORT!

    Shonia
    shonia@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. SUPPORT!!

    Jolynn
    jolynn_97@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I fully support!
    Patricia Lee
    ppv.lee@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thank you for doing all this for our canine friends. I am specially concerned as i have a medium size dog and am downgrading from a condo to hdb? What will we do?

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hey Gentle Paws, someone has actually started a petition to the AVA on the culling: http://www.change.org/petitions/agri-food-and-veterinary-authority-ava-of-singapore-stop-the-culling-of-innocent-stray-dogs

    ReplyDelete
  56. Daniel Koh
    dkdan@pacific.net.sg

    ReplyDelete
  57. Support, Nico Lee
    nicolovelife@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Totally support. Leong Ting Ting
    leongting3@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I support this cause.:)

    Sarah-Anne Sim
    sarah_anne_91@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Indefinitely supporting! thank you for the effort! I just wish that we can have more than one dogs and larger breeds allowed for HDB rulings.

    Shevaun
    shevaunt@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. We are behind you. Only heartless people won't support such a worthy cause.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Well done :)

    If HDB agreed to allow Singapore and bigger dogs to be kept in HDB, there will be lesser homeless dogs on the street. They have life, just like us need a place called "home".

    It is painful to see them caught in a heavy rain and no food.

    As long as ownerships abide with the rules and regulations, there make no difference whether is a HDB or a private house.

    ReplyDelete
  63. We support this cause!

    zerofayth@gmail.com
    tankenny@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. You have my support!!! The way we treat our animals is a reflection of our society and how far we have not come along as a nation. How we teach our children to value life if we treat animals as such.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Agree Agree Agree!!!! I support the above proposal!! Please keep your faith and go forward! I'm in HK, though it's a long way but I'm here to support and wait for your good news!! Please keep it up!!!

    love, jessie :>
    (Name: Jessie Cheung)

    ReplyDelete
  66. Support! I agree that all our furry four legged friends have a right to live irregardless of their size. If other countries can come up with solid and effective animal welfare guidelines,why can't we?

    ReplyDelete
  67. I'm totally shocked to hear this where one get paid when killing a stray..... so sad and who are we to decide to end his/her life.

    We must teach our younger generations children to love animals thru such, the child can develop the love & respect of others and ones life.

    I support to this proposal

    ReplyDelete
  68. highflyer1985@gmail.comOctober 20, 2011 at 12:44 AM

    I support this proposal. Our gov is spending too much of our money hiring non animal lovers for jobs in AVA.

    ReplyDelete
  69. My full support!!!!

    Tony Chan
    tonychanw@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. We breath the same air, share the same space because we are all creatures of God. Educate ourselves and others on surviving together. Our world is not just created for us. We need to survive TOGETHER!!!

    Animal abusers, when you hurt an animal they feel the same pain as humans do.

    ReplyDelete
  71. support wholeheartedly!
    wish people understood that caring for a helpless animal builds more empathy in a child than all their CIP activities in school. Read the research!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Awesome!!! I totally support!!!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I strongly support.

    Dogs dont really care what size their home is as long they have a place call HOME!!

    All they want is a warm bed to sleep in,people to feed them and bring them for walks.

    They shouldn't be deprieve from having a place call home coz of their size and breed.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Issue does not solely lies with the govt or its policies but also on the general public education on pets rearing mentality and knowledge! Irresponsible pet owners buy pets and abandon them when they no longer wants them. Thats the main issue.....

    Desmond Yen

    desmond-yen@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I STRONGLY AGREE!!

    Pls save these innocent and helpless dogs! Due to the society and cruelty in human being, is turning Singapore to be a heartless country. They are born to deserve a better life. Govt. SHOULD change the HDB regulations allow medium size dogs to stay in HDB! Medium size dogs are harmless creatures, why have to ban them from staying in HDB!!!! Due to these regulations, had caused an increasing rates of abandon and abuse cases! And Govt. should encourage the citizen to go for adoption of these dogs, which will save lots of their life!

    Pls save them as they deserve it!!

    ReplyDelete
  76. I fully support !
    Dogs are living creatures and not a toy for us to control their destiny. They should be treated fairly !

    ReplyDelete
  77. this has my full support !! :D :D

    they didn't ask to be strays .. they are strays only because humans are the ones who abandoned them in the first place !

    ann
    ann_1011@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I support! Dogs should given a chance to live fullest. Their life should not be determine by US to end, by putting them to sleep! Lots of cases have shown that those healthy and young dogs had been put to sleep ! Where is the justice for them! They are so helpless and being forced to die.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Full Support !

    Pls remember that they are PETS and not PEST! Is those regulations had turn them into Pest instead.

    ReplyDelete
  80. I strongly support!
    Inhuman dog Breeders who just want to earn revenue are the main cause as well! Making use of the dogs,and abandon them when they become useless.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I am in full aupport of this proposal, and I really hope that authorities mean it when they're conducting a review. The non-profit organisations can only do so much, but MND, you can really create a difference. Please help, thank you. ♥

    ReplyDelete
  82. Every Living thing as a right to live in this world!!! I totally support you on this!

    ReplyDelete
  83. 100% FULL SUPPORT !! HDB PLEASE BEND YOUR RULES , ALLOW HDB OWNERS TO HOUSE BIGGER DOGS , GIVE THESE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES OPPORTUNITIES TO LIVE THEIR LIFE TO THE FULLEST

    Pearlyn Ng

    pearlshell36@live.com.sg

    ReplyDelete
  84. If you put yourselves in these pets shoes, how would you feel if you were suddenly neglected? Every living creature on this earth has got feelings. We have to humane enough to understand and provide care and/or help since we are the superior animal species. In the end, your good deeds will certainly earn to good karma, helping another one of God's beautiful creation. Let us move towards a better future with man's best friends.

    I whole heartedly pledge my support towards this cause and initiative!

    Mohan B

    ReplyDelete
  85. This honourable organisation has done n is still doing a great job! My support is all out for your cause. Wish u all e best! I would always want to adopt one if Hdb acts a lil more reasonable w their regulations. This website has drawn me closer for e love n compassion for those stranded out in e streets. Reach out for my support at nandy0610@gmail.com

    May all e lil poor furkids find e home of love asap!

    ReplyDelete
  86. very well written and thought-through. Fully support! Will be dropping you an email. Good luck and kudos for all your hard (heart) work :)

    ReplyDelete
  87. 100% support.
    Please give this good work, a great success!
    Godbless all

    ReplyDelete
  88. AVA should re-look into their whatever never-think-of-consequences strategies. Stray animals like dogs are also real-life beings. They should be treated fairly too. Dogs and other pets are not able to fight for themselves and speak up, but we are able to help them by voicing out our support to make all above-proposed initiatives to come true.

    U have my support!

    -- Jan

    ReplyDelete
  89. Great! I totally support this as mongrels are actually quite small & not as big as some other dogs. AVA & HDB Dept should relook at their policies/rules & support all above-proposed pleas/appeals by allowing HDB owners to keep big dogs/mongrels. They could just limit 1 to a unit instead of a total ban. This will lessen pet abandonment when owners downgrade to HDB etc.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Support. 100% support. Hope they are well taken care off and have better life.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Fully support!

    Meizhen
    kmzsg@yahoo.com.sg

    ReplyDelete
  92. I agree with your views and I do feel for the dogs. Someone has to take the first step to help fight for the welfare and well-being of these animals. You have my total support.

    Clement Ng
    prillante@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. Certainly agree with the above posts. It is time to review the policies/rules to allow all sizes of dogs to stay in HDB flats. Most of the owners have to by-forced to let go their pet dogs due to the policy that big dogs are not allowed in HDB flats. Not everyone in Singapore has the capability to stay in landed-properties...Dogs are just like humans, they have feelings too.. We also do not wish to be abandoned right? Can we be allowed to keep our precious pets in HDB flats? Our dogs and all owners will be very grateful and this is as good as a good deed.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Hey! You missed out something. We live in a society with diversity of cultures. In HDB flats too. The muslim malays here are the only ones who do not like to have dogs living near them. My neighbours are muslims and my little dog almost got kicked by one of their elders, just because we have to walk pass by them on the common corridor. I shouted just on time to let him know that it's my little dog who is half blind and didn't see people nearby. Sigh! Please ask them to support your course too!

    ReplyDelete
  95. I totally agree as i felt unfair treatment given to HDB residents. Citizens who live in condo. are allow to keep medium size dogs, while the size of condo unit is roughly the same compare to HDB unit! The existing rules and policies had force Singaporeans to abandon their pets ! Especially for medium to large size of dogs had faced lots of suffering. Should change the existing policies!

    ReplyDelete
  96. agree and support... ... the HDB policies/rules are making people to abandon... more and more pets. Please save the animals.

    Janet

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  97. Yes.. What were suggested are good ideas which the authorities should look into . We humans are supposed to be more cultured and humane in this era but it is not so .. Perhaps AVA can work with SPCA and be given more fund to help the helpless stray dogs n cats like in the western countries .. By imposing fines on errant breeders , pet owners, abusers n use these funds to help the strays n abandoned dogs including rehoming them instead of culling them!! Mongrels should also be allowed in hdb flats if the pet owners are responsible , pls .. The govt could help these welfare group on the sterilization programme

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  98. Totally supported!

    Alvin Wu
    Funkyguyisme@hotmail.com

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  99. Fully supported!!

    Shernise See
    Eclair_escape@live.com.sg

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  100. 100% support . Pls allow mongrel in HDB ,this will solve the strays problem....owner must sterilise the dog upon adoption.

    Shindy Lam
    shindylamwp@hotmail.com

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  101. Support totally! very well written blog. Thank u for speaking on behalf of our man's best frens. God bless.

    Alverene
    Alverene@hotmail.com

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  102. Well said! Although i do not keep pets, I feel that animals should be treated with the same respect and dignity as humans. Afterall they are each alive, and a life at that.

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  103. Support! I had already sent you an email with my particulars.
    Name: Lew Wei Kang
    Email: lonelyhunter0324@gmail.com
    C/N: +6591369331

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  104. Support ! well said !

    Loh Wei hao
    weihao.loh@gmail.com

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  105. yes i think it's about time AVA review it's HDB dog policy.
    i'm in the process of adopting a local breed but everytime the process is hindered by HDB's ruling on keeping them in flats!
    animals shelters are doing a good job with their stringent scrutiny when looking for potential adopters for their dogs and tihs include ensuring the dogs can adapt and live well in their new environment and not make a nuisence of themselves.
    certainly allowing more leeway for HDB dwellers to keep local breeds will help to resolve some of the issues of strays.

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  106. 100% support!

    Wendy
    wen_pool@hotmail.com

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  107. Support!

    Tong Sweat Hui
    sweathui@msn.com

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  108. Same 100%support! Pls help them!

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  109. Strongly agree! Is not these animal fault! Is the culture of singapore that had changed their destiny! Ppl should be educatedon loving animals and not ill treat them.
    Serene
    serene1614@hotmail.com

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  110. U have my vote on this initiative!!
    > Mary Rachel
    jammisha@gmail.com

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  111. Totally agree on this initiative! Dogs deserved to be in a good home! Relaxation of the HDB blanket ban surely can allow more dog to have better owners and lead a happy life.

    Human should be trained in handling dogs.. and not depriving them of their life with good owners

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  112. SUPPORT!

    Michelle Tan
    bluedolphine77@hotmail.com

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  113. You have my full support and great article written. Dogs has feeling and shouldn't be treated this way. Rather than paying money to cull the poor dogs from Ava. Why not just sterilitise them so not much dogs will suffer the repeated fate. As for myself,I wish to adopt a big size dog but due to the HDB policy. I don't see a point in having that rule. Once again,I hope Ava will put a stop to this cruel way of handling the poor dogs.

    Nellie
    nel-adrendline@live.com

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  114. Anything to help men best friend, you have my support

    Chan Meng Yeow
    yeow1545@hotmail.com

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  115. You have my support too..

    zan
    zanmyn@gmail.com

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  116. This initiative is great and I wish nothing less than for it to be heard by relevant authorities and actively meted out and practiced in the near future.

    I stay in a HDB flat and own a Jack Russell Terrier as well as a medium sized mongrel. I found my mongrel a year ago at the void deck where I live when she was barely a few weeks old, covered in fleas and ticks with burn marks on her rear. I had initially wanted to call the SPCA to take in the puppy but also acknowledged the fact that a puppy in such bad condition would most probably be put down instead. So I brought her home and nursed the little wonder back to health, which took a lot of effort and countless trips to the vet.

    It has been more than a year now and as the owner of a mongrel I am proud to say that the breed should not be classified as pariah or third class just because of their variegated blood line. Mongrels- including mine and the others that I have met, are the sweetest and most loyal, joyful and fun dogs anyone can meet. Saying a mongrel is 'lower class' compared to other breeds and underserving of a good home because of their origins is as good as saying that humans who come from broken or poorer families are unimportant and are lesser beings.

    If a dog- mongrel or not, is well behaved, does not create a ruckus or disturbs neighbors, receives proper healthcare and regular flea/tick vaccinations and has a loving and responsible owner, I don't see what the problem is, whether the owner lives in a HDB flat or not. If the authorities are to come knocking on my door tomorrow to tell me to give up my mongrel just because of the blanket ban, what are they trying to say? That the SPCA can take better care of my dog, or that I should surrender my dog to the shelter and add on to the countless other numbers of dogs that are already looking for a home? Where is the sense in that?

    As a nation progresses and seeks to ensure constant progress- socially, morally and financially, it should make sure that relevant issues like this are not overlooked!

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  117. I Support !!!

    ronnyap@gmail.com

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  118. i'll definitely help!!

    Joelle

    joellegohyx@hotmail.com

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  119. I SUPPORT and cheer you guys .
    Good work and keep it up.

    smunk333@gmail.com

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  120. Really hope this will get through!!
    Go Gentle Paws for the doggies~~

    tiffany
    (decembergal88@hotmail.com)

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  121. Its time the government should step in and look into animal welfare.
    Just a little compassion from humans mean a whole lot to these street animals.

    Jean Soh
    sohwy79@hotmail.com

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  122. I will support!



    Eric
    erochob@hotmail.com

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  123. I forgot to add that maybe this should be considered as well. Please see email from AVA. I was "arguing" with them on the adoption charges which discourage would be adopters.
    ______________________
    Thank you for your feedback. I have included some background information on why we require animals to be placed under quarantine:
    a)Singapore has been rabies free since 1953 and to maintain that rabies free status, we require animals to be vaccinated against rabies and tested to be protected. Animals from countries that are not free from rabies would also need to undergo quarantine.

    b)Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can have a long incubation period. While the virus is incubating, the animal will not show any signs of disease and the virus cannot be detected unless a sample of the brain is tested. The disease only manifests at the end of the incubation period, causing the animal to show clinical signs such as increased aggression, foaming at the mouth and phobia of water and light.

    c)Dogs and cats of an unknown health status are held under quarantine for 6 months to ensure that they are rabies free. The dog or cat will be vaccinated against rabies while under quarantine as well.


    My answers to your questions, as asked in your second e-mail, are as follow:

    1AVA will re-home all smuggled puppies and kittens, provided they are healthy and fit for re-homing. We do not repatriate animals to their country of origin.

    2Smuggled dogs and cats are placed in quarantine pending court decision on the case. Moreover, all dogs and cats that come into Singapore and are of an unknown vaccination or health status, whether they are owned or smuggled, will need to be placed under quarantine to maintain Singapore’s rabies free status. The duration of quarantine depends on the country of export and the presence of any vaccination records. In this case, the dogs were all not vaccinated prior to arrival in Singapore so will need to undergo a 6 month quarantine.

    3Maintenance of these puppies under quarantine for this extended period incurs cost. As part of a general policy of cost-sharing and co-payment, the quarantine fees will be charged to the new owners. These fees cover all vaccinations, feeding, grooming, cleaning and care during the quarantine fees. Other costs, such as the cost of medical attention, treatment and hospitalisation will be absorbed by AVA.

    4In addition, as part of our efforts to promote responsible pet ownership, we also intend to sterilise, microchip and license the puppies before release. SPCA will be doing the procedures and the cost of these services will have to be borne by the new owners.

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  124. Another AVA's email.
    _____________________________
    Thank you for your interest in adopting the puppies that were smuggled into Singapore. We have 22 puppies that are currently looking for homes. Details of the puppies are as follows :


    Breed
    Number of heads
    Date of quarantine release
    Approximate age at release
    1
    Golden Retriever
    1 female)
    22 June 2011
    10 months
    2
    Pug (tan)
    1 female, 1male
    29 July 2011
    7 months
    3
    Shih Tzu (white and brown)
    2 female, 1 male
    29 July 2011
    7 months
    4
    Poodle (red)
    3 female, 2 male
    29 July 2011
    7 months
    5
    British Bulldog (white and brown)
    2 female, 2 male
    29 July 2011
    7 months
    6
    Poodle (red)
    2 female, 1 male
    10 September 2011
    7 months
    7
    Japanese Spitz
    3 female, 1 male
    10 September 2011
    7 months

    2 The puppies have to undergo a 6 month quarantine to ensure that they are free from rabies. In addition, the puppies will be sterilised, microchipped and licensed before they are released from quarantine. The new owners for the puppies will be required to pay the quarantine fees which will include the costs of all vaccinations (such as puppy vaccinations and rabies vaccinations), rabies antibody titre testing, de-worming, external parasite treatment, feed and care for the 6 month quarantine period, sterilisation, microchipping and licensing. The total estimated quarantine fees is approximately $3,200 and will be billed progressively to the successful adopters during the quarantine period.

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  125. Count me in

    mayloh39@gmail.com

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  126. I will definitely support!


    ramya14@hotmail.com
    Thenmoli

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  127. As a fellow dog owner, I definitely support!

    ftsahm@hotmail.com
    Annie

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  128. Thanks for the effort in writing the article. Yes, do agree and support. :)

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  129. Hope I'm not too late in supporting this.

    Patricia
    pwy_how@hotmail.com

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  130. Will definitely support. Count me in!

    Carissa
    c-arissa@hotmail.com

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  131. Fully support this proposal!
    Jeremy Thia
    jeremy.thia@live.com

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  132. Yes we all have to fully support!

    Jen

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  133. We declared ourselves as a gracious society but do think triple & not even twice.. Pet owners must know their responsibilities they bear for owning a pet.. On dogs, having a big hse / private property doesn't mean the dogs will be happy if there is no interaction, socialising and exercises.. likewise I know a HDB flat owner whom walk his dogs (incl. a mongrel) at least 2 if not 3 times a day..I hope the authority really consider allowing HDB owner to be able to keep mid size dogs and mongrels..Also, if stray cats can be sterilised and released again, I don't understand why we can't do the same with stray dogs, anyway, rabies is not longer existing in Singapore..If the thought of stray dogs bite, cats do stratch without warning too, it's how we approach and treat the strays..I fully support this project.

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  134. Totally strongly supported !

    Sean (skylinerockz@hotmail.com)

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  135. Totally supported!

    George (georgegoheaven@gmail.com)

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  136. These group of people support the cause .

    Audrey
    qianyiaudrey@hotmail.com

    Long Xuan
    longxuanlian@yahoo.com.sg­

    Mattaeus
    mattaeus1@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  137. SUPPORT and truly LIKE the idea VERY much! In order to live in a civilized world, we ourselves(HUMANS) need to be civilised towards animals too!! Give them a CHANCE to live and have a HOME/Shetler above their head, rather than them being out on the streets where some unkind/heartless/barbaric human lurkes and start abusing those innocent strays! BE KIND, HAVE A HEART and SAVE A LIFE... PLEASE!

    -Animal-lover-

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  138. Yes! Pass! We can keep mongrels in HDB! YaY!

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  139. iSupport!

    Nicholas
    nicholasxiao1@hotmail.com

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  140. I support!

    Lynette
    darcinette@gmail.com

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  141. I totally support this proposal too!
    Zuying
    tan_zuying@hotmail.com

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  142. I am totally heartbroken when animals are abandoned and how these abandoned animals are treated in Singapore. It is not these animals' fault when they can't conceive anymore, not of pure breed, not small enough under HDB rules, etc. I have been living in the States for 8 years and main reason that keeps me here is my dog. I will never ever leave my furry son. I can't wrap my mind around anyone that has the heart to leave their pets behind. We need to start young, educate the kids in Singapore that animals are part of the family. I believe a family without pets is not a complete family. Pets are part of our world but we are their whole world.

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  143. Pls dont leave my furry son out there alone. Give them a sweet home. I strongly support. nitawat@gmail.com

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  144. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  145. This is such a great initiative! I was one of those pet lovers who badly wanted to adopt a dog, but due to the HDB's policy, I had to opt for a small pedigree dog. I really hope that this would garner their attention because they ultimately have the final say in the policy. And if it works, then it would allow mongrels to be treated equally too!

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  146. It breaks my heart to see dogs abandoned or abused or worse both. I love dogs so much but am not allowed to get one:( I strongly support you guys! I hope that this works!

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  147. Damn right this article is!!! My support!

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