Letter from AVA, Today Online 11 Aug 08;
WE REFER to “Can more be done?” and “We donate to humans but not to animals” (July 28) fromMs April Chia and Mr Calvin Teo.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is already working closely with animal welfare groups in an on-going programme to promote responsible pet ownership.
In addition, AVA also gives talks on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare to schools to encourage students to become responsible pet owners and show care towards animals.
AVA has implemented microchipping to manage the stray dog population. AVA has consulted animal welfare groups, pet shops and the public before the requirement was introduced.
This measure will help AVA locate the owner/licensee of an abandoned dog. Abandonment of a dog is an offence. The penalty on conviction is a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both.
There is no evidence to suggest that microchipping contributes to more dogs being abandoned.
Over the years the number of stray dogs has decreased although there are still pockets of stray dogs which are loosely kept and fed by private individuals or groups.
Rabies, a disease fatal to man if bitten by a rabid dog, is endemic in this region.
AVA culls stray dogs to manage the stray population which poses a risk to transmission ofrabies should this be introduced into Singapore.
As sterilised and unsterilised dogs are susceptible to rabies, even strays which have been sterilised should be properly licensed and homed and not be returned to the environment.
We thank the writers for their feedback.
Goh Shih Yong
Assistant Director, Corporate Communications
for the Chief Executive Officer
