Stringent rules in place to ensure animal welfare

Clivebenss SG

I THANK Ms Deirdre Moss of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ('Impose stricter measures to protect dogs at farms'; April 29) and Ms Tabatha Randall ('If the Government can curb the number of cars on the road, it can restrict the number of dogs imported and monitor farms'; April 29) for their feedback.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) does not restrict the number of pets imported, bred and sold commercially as long as the businesses are legal and comply with our regulations. The AVA has put in place stringent regulations for the pet industry to ensure that animal welfare is not compromised.

Pet shop operators are assessed by AVA on their knowledge and experience with animals before the approval of their licence application. These licensed operators are subsequently required to comply with housing and management conditions that safeguard the welfare of the animals. Dog farms are also licensed by AVA, and required to comply with licensing conditions, one of which is that they must have an adequate health-care and disease prevention programme approved by AVA.

AVA conducts regular as well as surprise inspection visits to dog farms and pet shops to ensure that animal welfare standards are adhered to. Enforcement action is taken where there is evidence of breach of conditions.

We are also continuously reviewing and improving our regulations. For example, AVA has worked with the industry to implement compulsory structured formal training for dog farms and pet shops from Jan 1 this year to further enhance their standards and competencies.

As for the farm mentioned by Ms Moss, AVA is currently investigating allegations of animal cruelty against the previous owners. Errant operators can be fined $10,000 or jailed up to 12 months, or both.

The public can help raise the standards by patronising only responsible dog farms and pet shops, and reporting to AVA if they come across any errant pet shop or dog farm.

Goh Shih Yong
Deputy Director, Media Division
For Chief Executive Officer
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority

Clivebenss SG

I REFER to the report, '5-digit sum spent to save 80 dogs' (April 21), and the letter by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 'Impose stricter measures to protect dogs at farms' (April 29). I urge the authorities to take a closer look at these puppy mills, many of which are run in an inhumane manner.

My conversations with animal welfare volunteers and people who have visited these farms revealed that most animals are kept in appalling and unhygienic conditions. This is because the owners care little about the animals in their quest to make a profit.

These volunteers have rescued many 'slave' animals (since they are kept in cages all the time and fed the minimum to keep them alive, the sole reason for their existence to be mated to produce puppies for sale).

Singapore has reached a high level of sophistication in its 'hardware' and we should aim for a similar level in our 'software' which involves being gracious not only to one another but also to animals. We are First World in economic terms but unfortunately, when it comes to our attitude towards animals, we are far from First World.

I urge the authorities to give serious and urgent attention to this puppy-mill issue. These farms should be strictly regulated and be made to pass stringent tests on hygiene, living conditions, animal welfare, vet care and so on before they are granted a licence.

At the same time, I urge members of the public to refrain from buying from these unethical farms. Better still, instead of buying, adopt and give a second chance to the thousands of homeless animals around us. Your kindness will be returned many times by the love and loyalty of the grateful animals.

Jill Hum (Ms)