[ad_1]
SINGAPORE- A five-year sterilization program to manage the stray dog population in Singapore was launched on Saturday (Nov. 10) by Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development, Mr Desmond Lee.
Stray Dogs, or "Singapore Specials" as Mr Lee prefers to call them, have occasional "human-animal friction" as they evoke a range of reactions from people with a concern for public health.
"Some of the people who are speaking to the Happy Pets, Happy 'Hoodcarnival. at Hillion Mall in Bukit Panjang.
To address the different concerns, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) has launched a nationwide initiative known to the Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) program, which is a humane, scientific and sustainable method of managing the stray dog population, said Mr Lee.
The AVA developed the program together with 11 animal welfare groups, with the aim of sterilizing more than 70 percent of the stray dog population over five years. There are about 7,000 stray dogs here.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) will lead the coordinating efforts in areas like trapping operations and providing sterilization services at their clinic, which will be ready in the first half of the next year (2019).
AVA also will provide support for animal welfare groups.
In addition, there will be a pool of trappers and animal welfare groups that can tap and train for the groups and AVA staff with views to the program.
Previously, dog welfare groups conducted localized sterilization programs on their own, and the AVA program will consolidate and expand these efforts at a national level, said Mr Lee.
He said: "After sterilization, the priority will be as many as possible, where they will have shelter, food and vet care provided by their new owners."
Those who are unable to be rehomed will be released to suitable locations.
Dr. Siew Tuck Wah, 39, President of Animal Welfare Group Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD) that is also involved in the program, said the nation-wide initiative was welcomed.
Since 2014, SOSD has been conducting its own sterilization programs in certain areas of Singapore and Dr. Siew said the funding and operational help from AVA would help scale-up their efforts.
"It's a whole mindset change from a culling to a more humane method of sterilization."
"But this one is going to be more popular with these people."
During Saturday's event, Mr. Lee also touched on the importance of responsible pet ownership.
"This goes beyond understanding the technicalities of animal health and pet care," he said, adding that it also involved being considered to those who do not keep pets.
He said: "This is important in a small place like Singapore, where living spaces overlap and friction can easily occur between neighbors over their pet animals."
Community partnerships are also important for the sterilization of animal welfare groups, veterinarians and responsible community feeders.
Mr Lee also said: "In addition, we need the patience, understanding and support of the wider community.you can help us by volunteering, or simply by spreading the word about the benefits of the program."
[ad_2]
Source link
