Also high on their wish list - tighter legislation against pet breeders and traders
By David Ee, The Sunday Times, 3 Feb 2013
Animal lovers had their say yesterday at the first Our Singapore Conversation dialogue on animal- and pet-related issues.
High on the wish list of pet owners and members of animal welfare groups: tighter legislation against pet breeders and traders, and tougher penalties for those who abuse animals.
The discussion comes on the heels of concerns by animal lovers that animal abuse cases have continued on an uptrend in recent months, including several shocking incidents such as a case where two kittens were found dismembered in the corridor of a Housing Board flat in Chong Pang.
The issue of more education - teaching owners to manage their pets responsibly, and making sure that youth are inculcated with caring values at a tender age - was also raised. The discussion also touched on a lack of graciousness and tolerance in society.
Some participants drew a link between the treatment of animals in society and how gracious a society is. Animal lover Seow Bee Leng, 42, said: "What was impactful for me and for others in the room were the calls for Singapore to focus on 'heartware', not just on things that can be measured."
She added that doing so would foster more graciousness and people would "not be so critical of each other".
One participant - who did not want to be named - said stronger legislation was needed to help guide dogs for the visually impaired gain more acceptance in society.
Last November, Ms Cassandra Chiu - who is blind and has a guide dog - put up a Facebook post about how she was told by staff at a clothing outlet that dogs were not allowed in the store.
The episode prompted the Disabled People's Association to issue a statement last December calling for the need to raise awareness about guide dogs, and explaining why they should be allowed access to places when with a blind or visually impaired person.
Yesterday, Ms Chiu's labrador retriever Esme and two other guide dogs were given awards on the sidelines of the dialogue - Esme for being a loyal guide dog; Joel, a border collie, for being able to alert people when medical emergencies happen in their homes; and Wang-Wang, a poodle, for saving a family from a fire.
About 50 participants attended the session at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, organised by the Agency for Animal Welfare. The dialogue was facilitated by Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Transport and a Nee Soon GRC MP.
Pet owners and members of animal welfare groups made up the majority but they were joined by students from schools such as Chung Cheng High School and De La Salle School.
Nee Soon GRC MP Lee Bee Wah, who opened the session, said: "Cruelty to animals in Singapore is a national issue and deserving of substantial discussion."
Prof Faishal agreed with the animal lovers that stricter laws are required. He said he would raise the issue with Minister for Law and Foreign Affairs K. Shanmugam and other relevant ministries.
A panel set up by the Government last year to review existing animal welfare legislation is expected to finalise its recommendations soon. Said Prof Faishal: "It is important for us to continue this journey... towards a society that respects one another, regardless of whether you are a human being or pet."
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