Shanmugam urges businesses to support animal welfare groups

Alice Chia Channel NewsAsia 21 Nov 14;

SINGAPORE: Law Minister K Shanmugam has urged businesses to lend their support to the various animal welfare groups in Singapore.

Mr Shanmugam, who was speaking at the first appreciation dinner by animal welfare organisation Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD) on Friday (Nov 21), pointed out that the number of dogs under the organisation's care has shot up in 2014, reaching a historic high.

It is currently sheltering 78 dogs, almost double the 40 dogs it looked after in 2013. Fosterers are taking care of 48 dogs this year, as compared to around 30 dogs last year.

Mr Shanmugam said that the Government is working with civil society groups on the issue, and that it helps by granting financial assistance such as tax breaks and subsidies. However, he acknowledged that running a non-governmental organisation (NGO) is not easy, with cashflow remaining a problem.

For example, SOSD has to cover costs such as dog food, staff salaries and electricity bills.

Mr Shanmugam said: "I think they have to spend almost S$30,000 per month, nearly S$350,000 a year. This is an enormous sum for an NGO that was founded just three years ago. So financial support is vital for them as well as other animal welfare NGOs.

"If we improve the lot for animals around us, we really foster empathy and generosity, and we create a different society. We cultivate a spirit in society which cares not only for itself."

- CNA/ac