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Singapore underwent massive changes with the development of Housing Board Government high-rise flats. People were relocated from the kampongs into these flats and as a result countless pets, mainly cats and dogs were left abandoned and homeless.
The SPCA launched a special programme to collect animals from areas being cleared for development before occupants vacated their homes. The Ministry of national Development, the Primary Production Department (now AVA) and the Dog unit at the City Veterinary Centre, co-operated in this scheme to providing prior information on areas about to be demolished.
The work was particularly painful in that it involved the removal of owned animals from people forced to relinquish their pets because they were unable to relocate them.
1984 saw a change in location for the Singapore SPCA, 10 kilometers from the city at 31 Mount Vernon Road, the Orchard Road land having been acquired by the Government. The new offices and kennels is a big improvement for both staff and animals.
The SPCA has been very fortunate to be able to carry out its work over the years, thanks to the public’s generosity with donations and to the limited but constant stream of volunteers who come together and work to keep the cause going.
Promoting respect for animals and a caring attitude towards pets by their owners is a priority of SPCA Singapore. We hope in the long term, that this will lead to a significant reduction in the number of unwanted animals, thus saving us from having to destroy them.
Educational booklets on cat and dog have been produced along with leaflets on pet care for smaller animals which are distributed to schools, pet shops and veterinary surgeries. Articles on pet care have also been written in the newspaper promoting responsible pet ownership. There are two magazines published, catering for Senior and Junior members.
Up until the 1970’s the general public did not know or care much about the SPCA. Media participation in the 1980’s and 1990’s however, has been very good. SPCA has had pet care columns in the newspapers and many other articles featured. Television coverage has regularly highlighted SPCA-related topics such as abandonment and other forms of cruelty. The SPCA realises that without media support, animal welfare work would be so much harder due to problems that sometimes are not understood by members of the public.
The SPCA intends to reach out to more of the general public to gain the support that is needed to continue its work in the years to come.
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