The SPCA urges authorities to urgently consider preventive, humane measures as opposed to culling - an approach that, as time has proven, does not work.

In May 2005, the SPCA wrote to the Ministry of National Development. To reduce the stray population, we proposed a programme of education together with the following recommendations.

Stray cats and sterilisation

The authorities' approach of intensified culling in place of the Scheme is neither humane nor sustainable. Culling does not reduce the number of strays: the SPCA took in 6,017 cats in 2004, compared to 3,638 in 1985. Sterilising stray cats is a more humane and effective solution, one which permits the animals to live out their lives, and dramatically reduces the numbers being reproduced. We will continue to lobby for the reintroduction of the Scheme.

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Red-eared Sliders

Every month, thousands of Red-eared Sliders (terrapins) are imported into Singapore. These pets are often abandoned when they grow bigger, and are released into reservoirs, ponds and temples by their owners. This will ultimately disrupt the ecosystem and affect Singapore's indigenous species, the Slider being a hardy and aggressive animal which adapts well in the wild.

The SPCA wrote to the AVA requesting that numbers of imported Red-eared Sliders be limited. The AVA replied that it believes education is the key to arresting the pet abandonment, and said it has been intensifying its efforts to promote greater awareness about responsible pet ownership. The AVA also stated that Singapore operates on a free-market system and that it would not be appropriate for Government to restrict the number of pets imported, bred and sold commercially, as long as the businesses are legal and compliant with prevailing regulations and conditions.

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HDB ruling on medium-sized dog in flats

The SPCA wrote to the AVA requesting that medium-sized dogs be allowed in HDB flats. Our request was turned down. The AVA has discussed this matter with the HDB on previous occasions. The HDB's stance is that it has to consider the sentiments of the majority of HDB residents when setting its policies and rules; not all residents like cats and dogs or are comfortable with neighbours keeping such pets.

In February 2008, the SPCA wrote to the AVA again. With no limits on the number of dogs offered for sale in Singapore, the SPCA asked for greater support in dealing with the surplus. The AVA replied that it would not be appropriate to restrict the number of dogs for sale, as long as the pet business is legal and complies with the regulations and applicable conditions. The AVA did however implement several measures in 2007 to discourage the abandonment of pet dogs: compulsory micro-chipping and the introduction of a differential fee for sterilised and unsterilised pet dogs.

In April 2008, the SPCA wrote in to the Ministry of National Development, urging it to review the rules again, which have not been changed in 20 years. The HDB replied that its priority is to preserve a pleasant living environment and good relationships among the residents in its high-rise, high-density public housing estates. The HDB receives many complaints from residents about dog-related problems (concerning dogs permitted to be kept at HDB flats). Medium sized dogs are therefore not allowed to be kept in HDB flats.

The SPCA will continue to press the government to review the current rules on keeping cats and dogs in HDB flats so that more lives can be saved through rehoming.

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What You Can Do:
Write to the Minister for National Development (at the address below) to appeal for a more humane solution to solving the surplus stray and pet population in Singapore.

Mr. Mah Bow Tan
Ministry of National Development
5 Maxwell Road #21-00 Tower Block, MND Complex
Singapore 069110

Alternatively, you could also send an email to the Minister's office at: mah_bow_tan@mnd.gov.sg