I REFER to Thursday's letter by Mr Goh Shih Yong of the
Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, 'AVA to take stern action
against animal cruelty'.
Mr Goh said dog farms must meet licensing conditions and disease
prevention programmes approved by AVA and that these farms employ
the services of private veterinarians. He also said AVA conducts
regular surveillance and monitoring of pet shops and dog farms,
including surprise inspection checks on farms.
A report published in The Straits Times after a visit to some
farms told a different story ('Good breeding practices urged for
dog farms'; May 14). The conditions there were appalling and the
stench from some of the kennels was unbearable.
The Straits Times also highlighted the case of a dog farm which
was bought over by a group of animal lovers from an owner who was
obviously overwhelmed by the problems of his farm and sick dogs.
Some of these dogs were suffering from heartworm disease. How can
such serious conditions go undetected by AVA inspectors and private
veterinarians if checks are carried out regularly and
vigilantly?
I agree with Mr Goh that educating the public on animal welfare
is the way to go. By choosing to patronise only the responsible
breeders, the indiscriminate ones will naturally be weeded out.
This solution, though effective, takes time. Until then, how many
more animals will be made to go through unnecessary pain and
suffering?
AVA must hasten improvements to its rules and enforcement
actions. Its penalties should deter irresponsible pet traders and
breeders from making profit out of animals, rather than serve as
just a rap on the knuckles.Mahatma Gandhi once said: 'The greatness
of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its
animals are treated.'
Chay Whye Peng (Madam)