Letters on dealing with abandoned pedigree dogs: Ban import of pets

If you want pets, please adopt one that has been abandoned
Time for pet owners to reflect on their actions

Today Online 29 Feb 08;
Letter from TAN CHEK WEE
Letter from MARIANNE MAES

I REFER to the report, "More abandon pedigree dogs" (Feb 28).

My work as a homecare doctor brings me to homes across the social strata.

I see dogs tied to fences with short leashes. I see rabbits confined in fish tanks. I see turtles swimming desperately to keep afloat in pails of water.

I once saw a poodle kept in a cage with its paws on a base of grills so that it is easier for the domestic helper to clear the excrement from the bottom tray.

With animal welfare shelters filled beyond the brim, I hope the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore will now consider the many appeals by those concerned about the welfare of animals: Ban the import of pets, stop local breeding and impose compulsory "pet responsibility" classes before a dog licence is issued.

There are more than enough abandoned animals to satisfy the needs of genuine adopters.

I appeal to people seeking animal companionship to adopt pets from shelters instead of buying them from pet shops.

I COULDN'T agree more with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals chief Deirdre Moss' view that too many people in Singapore are buying pedigree dogs on the spur of the moment.

That there are more purebred dogs being abandoned is a reflection of the nonchalant attitude of a certain section of society towards pet ownership.

There is a saying that goes: One is judged by the way he treats an animal.

Looking at the disturbing trend of more strays being picked up, I'd say that the public should start reflecting on their actions.

How to prevent the dumping of pedigree dogs
Letter from Tan Ai Ling (Mdm), Straits Times 29 Feb 08;

I REFER to the article, '1,521 pedigree dogs dumped'.

With the stricter laws on pet licensing, the problem will only worsen. May I suggest the following to tackle the problem?

Pet shops should be microchipping and completing the registration of microchip numbers to buyers who are able to prove that their abode is approved for the type of dog purchased.

Immediate registration should be part of the service and the duty of responsible pet shops which should then send details to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority for licensing. This should curb impulsive buys.

Also, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals should seriously consider campaigns that avoid depicting animals as cute. After all, most animals that end up there are euthanised, not candidates for resort-living.

I appeal to everyone considering a dog - the cost is not the initial outlay, but the thousands of dollars spent on vet bills and damaged furniture as well as the hundreds of hours spent cleaning, training and integrating a dog into your family.