Animals
Contents
- 1 Overview
- 2 Key Statistics & Figures
- 3 Definitions and Scope
- 4 Areas of Needs / Desired Outcomes
- 4.1 [Insert Issue]
- 4.2 Lack of training
- 4.3 Abandonment
- 4.4 Neglect
- 4.5 Abuse/cruelty
- 4.6 Adoption
- 4.7 Stray/community animal management
- 4.8 Perception of shelter animals
- 4.9 Lack of resources
- 4.10 Expectations of the Veterinary Profession
- 4.11 Ensuring Proper Nutrition for Pets
- 4.12 Limitations of Conventional Vet Care
- 4.13 Release of animals
- 4.14 Protection of biodiversity and wildlife/Inappropriate handling of reptiles
- 4.15 Funding in biodiversity research
- 4.16 Feeding of wildlife
- 4.17 Pigeon overpopulation
- 5 Animal Assisted Interventions
- 6 Resource Directory
- 7 References
Overview
Priority Issues
- [To insert]
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Actionable Opportunity Areas
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Knowledge Gaps
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Key Statistics & Figures
[These should include figures that affect all or most animal groups of interest; specific figures should be found in the specific segments]
The number of pets in Singapore increased from 816115 in 2014 to 824600 in 2016 (Euromonitor International quoted in [1]).
The number of pet dogs in Singapore increased from 47000 in 2006 to 62000 in 2015 [1], while the number of dog owners in Singapore increased from 40500 in 2015 to 42000 in 2016 [2].
In 2017 and 2018, there were about 7000 stray dogs in Singapore [3] [4].
From 1998 to 2003, there were about 80000 stray cats in Singapore [5]. This number has been brought down to about 50000 in 2014 [5].
The number of vet clinics in Singapore increased from 53 in 2011 to 75 in 2015 (AVA quoted in [1]).
Definitions and Scope
Official definitions
[Guidance: identify target group and define who is included or excluded in this category: you want to get it just right: not too broad that it includes those you may not want to include, and not too narrow that it excludes those you want to help. Does this knowledge base include only 'pets' and 'community animals', or also wildlife, livestock and animals in scientific research?]
Biologically, animals are organisms under the kingdom Animalia. Colloquially, animals usually refer to non-human organisms of the above group. According to Singapore’s Animals and Birds Act, an animal is defined as “any mammal (other than man) or fish and includes any other living creature that is prescribed as an animal for the purposes of this Act or that falls within a class of animals that is prescribed for those purposes” [6] while a bird is termed to include “domestic fowls, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowls and pigeons of any age or sex and the eggs thereof” [6]. However, the definition of an animal in Singapore's Road Traffic Act is "any horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog", thus excluding other animals like cats and wildlife [7]. Reviewing this definition of animals in the Road Traffic Act was first mentioned in 2016 but has been said to be under review in 2019 again [7].
The broad term of "animals" can be further broken down into various categories: pets, community animals, wildlife, livestock and animals in scientific research.
Pets
Refer to this NParks web page for a list of allowed pets in Singapore. Other animals are not allowed as pets due to reasons listed on this NParks web page.
Community Animals
Community animals are also known as strays and refers to the "dogs and cats living in communal areas around us" [8].
Wild Animals
According to Wild Animals and Birds Act, wild animals and birds includes "all species of animals and birds of a wild nature, but does not include domestic dogs and cats, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, domestic pigs, poultry and ducks".
Since 2020, the Wild Animals and Birds Act has been amended and now known as the WIldlife Act, where animals include "any mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish or invertebrate, whether of a wild nature or otherwise" [9].
Livestock
Livestock in Singapore consists of hen (for eggs), fish, crustaceans and molluscs [10].
Areas of Needs / Desired Outcomes
[Read this templatised guide on how to populate this section]
[Insert Issue]
[Needs should not be identified in term of its specific solutions—eg youths need mentoring, seniors need hospice care, people with disabilities need day care (these are specific solutions we can be in the next column)—Instead, they should be defined in more ‘perennial terms’ because the solutions can change but the needs remain; I don’t need a CD player, or even an mp3 player, I need ‘portable music’ and currently the best solution seems to be Spotify]
[Also indicate the size of this specific need & projected demand were data is available]
Resources | Gaps | Ideas |
Existing Resources
[e.g. existing services or programmes both private or public; relevant policies and legislation]
Gaps and Their Causes
[Some gaps could be due to 1) low capacity of solution to meet size & projected demand, 2) poor quality of solution (effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, scalability etc.), 3) low accessibility (geographical, cost to client)]
Possible Solutions
[Based on the specific gaps and reasons for those gaps, what might be solutions that can help? Insert existing but untapped resources, or new ideas that have not been considered yet]
Lack of training
Regulations on pets in HDB flats are in part motivated by the need to maintain cohesion amongst neighbours [11], as human-dog conflicts can result if people are not mindful. Thus, training can also help achieve this social cohesion. However, there are barriers to this. Teaching the right behaviours is difficult since most owners are unaware of what is right or how to eradicate unwanted behaviour which can lead to owners reinforcing them instead. Even if owners consulted certified dog trainers, they would still need time and effort to continue the training which is often neglected due to the hectic schedules of Singaporeans [12]. Singaporeans tend to be unaware of the importance of pet training and that our pet population is largely untrained.
While there are many effective methods to train dogs, some of them may require the use of force. One training technique used in Singapore is dominance-based and may consist of choking the dog until it submits. There are possible explanations on why such methods are still prevalent despite the growing concern for animal welfare. One explanation is due to some peoples’ belief that these forceful methods are effective quick fixes to achieving training goals. Another explanation is that the promotion of force-free training methods are hindered by the controversy and research challenges in the field. This is despite literature suggesting that force-free methods are more effective in the long run and actually highlights the dogs’ unique value through a bond of mutual benefit than if using a typical human-centric approach (Pręgowski, M. P. (2015)). Dog owners may also procrastinate looking for a trainer and going for paid courses, and looking for dog trainer that owners are comfortable with may be challenging. Furthermore, most dog trainers in Singapore do not fully use positive training methods [13] [14]. In fact, even many of the AVS accredited trainers do not fully use positive training methods [13].
Abandonment
Cases of pet abandonment are still on the rise. This is especially so for cats, where the cases increased from 9 to 21 to 57 in 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively [15]. One root cause of this problem is online marketplaces where there are black markets for pedigree cats created by backyard breeders who breed them and sell them on platforms like Facebook, Craigslist and Gumtree at 20% of prices in licensed stores [15]. Another root cause could be the price of sterilisation, which can go up to as high as $500, leading to overbreeding and abandonment [15].
Some pet stores reported an increase in sales during the Year of the Dog in 2006 though there was no evidence of this in 2018 [16]. in the period from 2008 to 2010, there was an increase in dogs being surrended to animal welfare groups, likely due to impulse purchases or purchases driven by auspicious beliefs during the Year of the Dog in 2006 [16]. The SPCA took in 3002 dogs in 2007, which is an increase from 2727 in 2006, and 14% more dogs were unclaimed lost pets [17]. Increase in cases of abandonment also often correspond with spring cleaning during the festive season, often involving older animals [16]. This could be motivated by the belief of sweeping out the old and ushering in the new[18]. Actual figures are unclear but in 2012, it was estimated that a number of dogs and more than 60 cats were abandoned [18].
Due to the COVID-19 situation, the problem has exacerbated likely due to paranoia of human-animal transmission of the virus. While the number of rabbit abandonment cases were low and usually of sick rabbits, there were recent cases of relatively healthy looking rabbits being abandoned [19].
Cases of abandonment commonly occurs when owners are expecting children or when animals fall ill [20].
EXISTING RESOURCES | EFFECTIVENESS | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
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Tracking of dog abandonment data since 2015 by AVA [21] | |||
Microchipping for dogs
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Microchipping for cats
There is an ongoing pilot for the microchipping of cats in the Chong Pang area [15], under Project Love Cats [25]. If outcomes are desirable and there is significant support from the community, this will be expanded [15]. |
The benefit of increased accountability of owners for their cats via microchipping is likely to also be the hindrance for success. This is because under current HDB rules, cats are not allowed in flats [15]. The reasons stated for this are that they are challenging to contain, shed fur, urinate/defecate at public areas and make noises that would be disruptive to neighbours [15]. Despite this, there are people who keep cats in HDB flats. HDB’s principal consideration is to preserve pleasant living envy btwn residents who are pet lovers and those affected by neighbours pets [15]. Therefore, if microchipping allows their cats to be linked to their illegal HDB addresses, they would likely be afraid to do so and risk getting caught for not complying with HDB regulations. | ||
Responsible Pet Ownership (RPO) outreach programmes
AVS:
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Article and video featuring dog owners | |||
School curriculum
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Laws
Animal abandonment legally falls under neglect and any person found guilty of neglecting an animal faces a fine of up to $10,000, and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months [21]. In the case of subsequent offences, the offender faces a fine of up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years [32]. |
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Dog Whisperer Free Pet Shop
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Regulations
Information on licence conditions for various farm types can be found below. |
Neglect
Cases of neglect could be due to owners’ lack of awareness or carelessness in pet care [20].
EXISTING RESOURCES | EFFECTIVENESS | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
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Laws
Pet owners are under a duty to [32]:
Any person found guilty of neglecting an animal faces a fine of up to $10,000, and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months [32]. In the case of subsequent offences, the offender faces a fine of up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years [32]. Where the person commits such an offence while in the course of employment in an animal-related business (e.g. at a pet boarding facility), they will be liable for a fine of up to $40,000 and/or to imprisonment for up to 2 years. In the case of subsequent offences, the offender faces a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years [32]. The court has the power to disqualify those found guilty of animal cruelty or neglect from owning all kinds of animals for up to 12 months [32]. When such a disqualification order is made, the court may also take away any animals owned by the offender [32]. The court may also order for the animal to receive veterinary treatment [32]. In this situation, the offender is liable for all costs of the animal’s treatment until it has recovered [32]. |
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AVA's Code of Animal Welfare for Pet Owners and for Pet Industry
For Pet Owners (since 2017)
For Pet Industry (since 2016) |
Backs up prosecution or other enforcement actions for animal welfare breaches [24] | It is not an offence if minimum standards are not met [24] | |
Abuse/cruelty
There was a reported increase in feedback on alleged animal cruelty from January to October from 260 in 2016 to 270 in 2017 [20]. Majority of cases do not actually involve abused animals, thus possibly suggesting that the public is increasingly aware of animal welfare and willing to report [20]. This has resulted in an increase in enforcement and prosecution in animal cruelty cases from 4% amongst reported cases in 2016 to 5% in 2017 [20]. Underlying causes of animal abuse could be due to a lack of empathy or a failure to manage anger and frustration, though most abusers are found to be mentally sound [20]. This suggests that educating children from young is crucial, and that they should not be desensitised to cruel and violent actions [20].
There has also been cases of companies being found guilty of animal abuse/cruelty cases. An infamous case of animal abuse is the Platinum Dogs Club scandal in 2018 [35].
EXISTING RESOURCES | EFFECTIVENESS | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
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Laws
A person commits animal cruelty if they [32]:
Any person found guilty of animal cruelty faces a fine of up to $15,000, and/or imprisonment for up to 18 months [32]. In the case of subsequent offences, the offender faces a fine of up to $30,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 years [32]. The court has the power to disqualify those found guilty of animal cruelty or neglect from owning all kinds of animals for up to 12 months [32]. When such a disqualification order is made, the court may also take away any animals owned by the offender [32]. The court may also order for the animal to receive veterinary treatment [32]. In this situation, the offender is liable for all costs of the animal’s treatment until it has recovered [32]. |
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SPCA
Upon discovery of injured animals and when the SPCA has been alerted, Animal Rescue Officers who are on call 24/7 will be dispatched [32]. They will bring the animal to SPCA’s vets for medical treatment [32]. After treatment, most of these animals are released back into the community, put up for adoption or fostered by a fosterer [32]. Unfortunately, in some cases, the animal either does not survive the abuse, or is in such a state that they must be euthanised [32]. In such a situation, the court may make an order to euthanise the animal [32]. |
The SPCA does not have any powers of enforcement [32]. | ||
NParks AVS' and SPCA's Inspectorate Teams
People can report cases and evidence to these teams [20]. |
Adoption
Through an analysis of various animal shelters' annual reports, we have found that there is generally low adoption rates and high numbers of animals being rescued over the years. The COVID-19 situation has exacerbated the problem as animal shelters are not allowed to conduct physical adoption drives [36] [37]. There is also paranoia about human-animal transmission of the virus, as well as the financial instability in the public, likely leading to lower tendencies of people adopting animals [36]. However, there has also been an opposite response as safe distancing measures have led to AWGs receiving more fostering and adoption requests, possibly due to working from home and needing companionship [38]. Given how the situation has also affected AWGs' manpower, they face difficulties in processing these requests as new fosterers need training while adoption processes are often stringent [38]. AWGs are also concerned that people may only be willing to foster for short periods of time such as only during the circuit breaker or could be adopting on impulse due to the lifestyle that the current crisis imposes [38].
EXISTING RESOURCES | EFFECTIVENESS | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES |
Project ADORE
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Military Working Dog Unit Adoption Drive 2019 (15 April to 16 May 2019)
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Physical adoption drives
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CAS: 3 adoptions on average per adoption drive [42] | |
Virtual adoptions |
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Causes for Animals livestream during COVID-19 | Received considerable number of adoption enquiries | |
NParks’ e-Pets’ Day Out (27 Jun 2020 on AnimalBuzzSG FB page) |
Stray/community animal management
The 400 stray dogs on Jurong Island, which have no available food and shelter, posed safety and traffic risks . Thus, they had to be removed [45].
The stray dog population in Singapore totals to around 7000, where most are around construction sites and industrial areas [46]. If stray dogs, especially those in packs, revert to their feral instincts, they may pose danger to the public and they are also a potential reservoir of disease such as rabies [46] [47].
EXISTING RESOURCES | EFFECTIVENESS | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES |
Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) programme
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Three-year Stray Dog Study
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Handbook on Feeding Stray Dogs Responsibly | ||
Stray Cat Sterilisation Programme (SCSP)
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Perception of shelter animals
Prices for various dog breeds have increased over the years [52]. While purebreeds like Toy Poodles, French Bulldogs and Shiba Inus remain popular, crossbreed “designer” dogs such as Maltipoos (Maltese-Poodle) and Pomskies (Pomeranian-Husky) have also increased in demand, causing prices to be as high as or even higher than that of some purebreds [52]. There are also waitlists and pre-orders for these dogs [52]. According to data by AVS, Singaporeans are also more keen to buy and import from overseas breeders [52].
EXISTING RESOURCES | EFFECTIVENESS | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES |
2015 SOSD research study by The Nielson Company
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The study has shown that most Singaporeans care for strays, contrary to popular belief [53]
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The Perfect Voiceovers Campaign
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Lack of resources
Animal shelters in Singapore often lack resources in terms of manpower, funding and space. People hardly want to take on a full-time job with welfare groups because of the hard work and yet low remuneration [55]. In 2018, Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS) only has one full-time employee who earns $13 per hour which is less than her previous job as a nurse that requires a diploma [55]. However, increasing remuneration would be challenging as AWGs often work with tight budgets . Thus, hiring work-permit holders at $600-800 a month would help greatly compared to hiring a local at $1600 a month [56]. Attendant legal employment terms also pose challenges for animal welfare groups in hiring locals [55]. Despite manpower shortages, charity groups like animal welfare groups are not allowed to employ foreign workers [55]. Some AWGs are trying to obtain permits to employ foreign workers [55] [56]. The regulations and manpower quotas have been said to disadvantage non-profit organisations compared to businesses [56]. Many AWGs thus rely heavily on volunteers. This is unfortunately not always a long term, consistent and reliable source of manpower. For example, many student volunteers are sometimes unable to commit during times like exam periods [55]. Youth volunteers may also be discouraged by the hard work since volunteers may be tasked with various roles such as event helper, administrative worker and cleaner [57]. Students may be driven to volunteer to fulfil their Community Involvement Programme (CIP) requirements in school, and may think that the work at animal shelters would be fun due to a lack of understanding [57]. The COVID-19 situation has exacerbated the manpower crunch as volunteering is reduced due to the circuit breaker measures, leading to fewer dogs being walked and a lower bathing frequency for them in some shelters [38].
AWGs are not government funded [58] and rely largely on donations and fund raising activities [59]. Various AWGs such as CWS and Pets Villa faced instances where they almost had to cease operations due to financial issues [59]. This could be due to a lack of support from corporates as animals are not prioritised on a corporate social responsibility key performance indicator over other social causes (animal welfare is underdeveloped as a charity sector) [60]. After the move to The Animal Lodge in 2018, shelters faced higher bills and had to spend on renovating units which added to their financial problems since some shelters did not have to pay rent at previous locations [61].
As shelters often face resource constraints, the cheapest food is usually obtained for the animals [62]. Cheaper food is often less nutritious for the animals [62]. This leads to various diet related illnesses becoming common in long-term shelter dogs [62].
EXISTING RESOURCES | EFFECTIVENESS | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES |
Manpower | ||
AVA supports AWGs' appeal to hire foreign workers by | Engaging services of The Animal Lodge's managing agent is not feasible as it would mean having pee and poo cleaned only when the cleaning services come at fixed timings [56] | |
Space | ||
The Animal Lodge
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Funding | ||
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Eases financial burdens on animals shelters as they do not have to pay $600 conservancy charges for example [61] | |
AVS worked with stakeholders to ensure and maintain working facilities e.g. remove waste that blocked pipes [61] | Reduction in monthly service and conservancy charges [61] |
Expectations of the Veterinary Profession
Behaviour
In 2019, Ohana VetCare suspended two nurses for their inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour around the animals in the clinic [63].
Convenience Euthanasia
There has been cases of euthanasia of healthy animals in vet clinics that have been deemed unnecessary by the public. In 2013, a healthy pupped named Tammy was put down by her owner at a vet clinic due to aggression and biting of family members [64]. In this case, there was a breach of contract between the owner of Tammy who put her down and the lady she had adopted Tammy from [64].
In 2020, a puppy named Loki was put down by his owners at a vet clinic as they recently had a child and was afraid that Loki would bite [65] [66]. Loki was adopted from the AWG, Exclusively Mongrels, and while the adoption agreement states that owners should return adopted dogs back to Exclusively Mongrels in the case where adopters can no longer care for them, this was not done [66]. Loki’s owners reported the whistleblower who first wrote about the incident on Facebook for doxxing [65].
Current regulations and laws permit convenience euthanasia even though acts of animal cruelty are not tolerated [64]. The phrasing of rules for convenience euthanasia lack clarity and could be interpreted differently [64].
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Impose a one-week waiting time before euthanasia such that the animal has a chance of being rehomed [64] |
Ensuring Proper Nutrition for Pets
Pet owners may face marketing claims and inaccurate information about pet nutrition, as well as be influenced by human health trends in their pet food purchasing decisions [67].
This could have led to the rise of organic pet food brands. Organic pet food brands are expensive and have debatable advantages [68]. Yet, some pet owners and animal welfare groups are willing to spend on them [68]. Sales of organic brands have increased over the years, with customers finding them effective [68]. However, vets have suggested that most regular pet food are sufficient to cater to pets’ nutritional needs, and that how well pets do on which type of food could depend on individual sensitivities [68].
Another article that compares conventional vet care to holistic pet care provides a possible reason behind such suggestions by vets. The article mentions that animal nutrition taught to vet students are from pet food companies, which may not be entirely true [69]. This leads to vets recommending processed foods to clients, instead of sharing about good nutrition and alternative treatments [69]. While vets may not have ill intentions, their suggestions are influential to clients. A study showed that information from vets and the internet were important sources of pet nutrition information for large proportions of dog and cat owners surveyed in the United States [67]. In Singapore, the internet is likely to play a significant role as well, since pet owners also discuss pet food issues on forums such as this particular thread.
Thus, ensuring that pets receive proper nutrition is challenging because there is a need to understand consumer behaviour in purchasing pet food [67]. Vets need to consider factors that affect their clients’ decisions before providing nutritional suggestions to them [67].
There can also be cases where there is a lack of consensus on certain issues. In an FDA report released in 2019, there was a possible link between grain-free dry dog food and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a disease that can lead to heart failure [70]. There was an increase in the number of breeds that are not known to have a genetic predisposition to DCM, and most dogs with DCM were on grain-free dry dog foods [70]. While there is no scientific evidence to confirm this link, vets in Singapore believe that there are other factors in the development of DCM and the FDA is trying to understand the role of taurine, an amino acid believed to promote heart health [70]. Vets in Singapore also said that "a balanced diet must include fresh meat, fruits and vegetables" and that nutritional deficiencies can also lead to DCM [70]. One solution is for dog owners to switch brands, go for regular check ups and look out for signs of DCM [70]. Another vet mentions that the development of DCM depends on lifestyle, where active lifestyles would downplay the role of diet as a factor [70].
Limitations of Conventional Vet Care
Conventional vet care often treats the symptoms rather than determining and solving the root causes of pets’ problems [69]. There are cases where prescribing medication can provide immediate relief but because the root cause is not solved, the symptoms may reappear with greater intensity [69]. Some vaccinations and medications suggested by vets can be harmful [69]. Vets’ advice are merely one piece of the puzzle, and there are other alternative treatments that can be considered [69]. Alternative pet care is about nurturing health rather than treating illnesses [69]. Naturopathic health is a natural approach that is gaining in popularity [69]. It includes the use of herbs, acupuncture, a raw diet and lifestyle adjustments [69]. Naturopathic and homeopathic health care activates the body’s immune system and prevents disease through proper diet and lifestyle [69].
EXISTING RESOURCES | EFFECTIVENESS | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Naturopathic and homeopathic health care | Possible lack of scientific evidence | ||
Holistic Pet Care |
Release of animals
Mercy release is a common practice during Vesak Day, intended as a compassionate act to save lives of animals that are captive or slated for slaughter [72]. Various types of animals from birds to fishes, terrapins and insects have been released by devotees for the purpose [72]. This has caused various problems and unintended consequences. It has been reported that 80-90% of animals which were released die within 24 hours due to exhaustion, injury, disease or predation [72]. This is because many of these animals were bred in captivity and thus are not equipped to survive in the wild. This practice also encourages the illegal wildlife trade as it creates a market for animals smuggled into Singapore, which leads to cases of animals suffering during the travelling process [72]. The release of non-native animals into our environment can also compete with native species and unbalance the ecology [72]. One example would be how the commonly sold pet, the red-eared sliders, can grow extensively over their relatively long lifespans and outbreed the native Malayan Box Turtle [72]. Even the release of small creatures like insects can create undesirable impacts such as bird feeding frenzies and the alteration of long-tailed macaques' feeding behaviours when released in large numbers and in certain locations [72].
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Parks and Trees Act
Any person who is caught releasing animals can be fined up to $50000, jailed for up to 6 months, or both [72]. |
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Wildlife Act (amendment of the above Animals and Birds Act in 2020) | ||
Operation No Release
Annual campaign introduced in 2006 [72] |
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Campaign promoting hu sheng ("protect life")
Started by the owner of a pet supplies store called Animal Human Alliance [72] |
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Initiative by Singapore's only 24-hour Tibetan Buddhist temple
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Over 800 devotees attended [74] |
Protection of biodiversity and wildlife/Inappropriate handling of reptiles
ACRES estimates that in 20% of call cases about snakes, the animal is found to have been abused [75]. There was a paradise tree snake found taped to the office’s carpet, and there was a dead spitting cobra due to having cardboard boxes stacked on it [75]. Such cases are likely to be due to fear and a lack of wildlife etiquette [75].
Other than individuals mishandling animals, there have also been cases of personnel from pest control companies mishandling snakes.
One such case happened in January 2019 outside Tang Plaza, where a python was stepped on by a pest control personnel who was later bitten [76] [77]. Another case was in March 2019 where a pest control personnel stepped on and threw a python in an alleged training exercise [78]. Such mishandling is not only unnecessary and harmful to the animal, but also endangers the safety of the handler and the people around.
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
NParks' snake guidelines [79] [80] | ||
Animals and Birds Act
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Provide proper training, certification and follow-up for pest control operators to make sure they are up-to-date and are adhering to proper standards when they handle these animals. |
Wildlife Reserves Singapore
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The Singaporean education system should include a) The importance of preserving and coexisting with native biodiversity and b) curriculum teaching kids to value and respect biodiversity regardless of visual appeal. In other words, even if somebody thinks snakes and monitor lizards are scary and disgusting, they should be able to appreciate the importance of living together with these animals. |
Funding in biodiversity research
EXISTING RESOURCES | GAPS AND THEIR CAUSES | POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS |
Wildlife Reserves Singapore
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Increase funding for wildlife research projects.
Increase sources of funding for wildlife research projects e.g NParks, NEA. |
Feeding of wildlife
Leftovers from feeding pigeons can potentially attract pests like rats which may carry disease and pose public health risks [81]. With the pigeon issue, Singapores’ measures have not been focusing on the root cause of food availability to the pigeons but instead on pigeon overpopulation and nuisance [81]. It is difficult to catch pigeon feeders in the act although leftovers from pigeon feeding may be seen, and some may not know what to do even if they do come across pigeon feeders [81]. Pigeon feeders feed out of good intentions and may not know about the harm that they cause [81] [changemACRES survey as part of Behaviour Change Hackathon 2019]. Pigeon feeders also experience happiness and joy when feeding while non feeders are more neutral [changemACRES survey as part of Behaviour Change Hackathon 2019]. Interestingly, feeders are more aware of the laws and regulations around pigeon feeding than non feeders [changemACRES survey as part of Behaviour Change Hackathon 2019].
EXISTING RESOURCES | EFFECTIVENESS | GAPS |
Enforcement notices | ||
Posters, outreach events | ||
CCTV
AVA has installed around 100 cameras since 2016 [81] |
The cameras function to deter pigeon feeders, where AVA will collaborate with Town Councils to appeal for information from the public if as evidence of alleged feeders are recorded [81] | |
Studies by AVA
AVA conducts analyses of surveillance and feedback data [81] |
This is to inform science-based management approaches and education initiatives on the right behaviour towards animals [81] | |
Campaign by Ang Mo Kio Town Council and government agencies in the Yio Chu Kang area
Posters and banners were used to explain how the proliferation of pigeons posed health hazards [82] |
The Municipal Services Office reported that monthly complaints regarding high-rise littering the pigeon feeding has fallen from 7 to 2 [82] | |
Initiatives by Marine Parade Town Council
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Law
Animals and Birds Act Feeding pigeons is illegal, with a fine of up to $500 [81][83] [73]
Feeding pigeons is illegal, with a S$5,000 penalty for first-time offenders, and S$10,000 for second-time offenders [73] |
Animals and Birds Act
Wildlife Act This will potentially deter feeders of pigeons and other wildlife more effectively and reduce the need for culling [73]. |
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Pigeon overpopulation
Pigeon overpopulation is largely due to the availability of food, either due to direct feeding or indirectly due to improper waste management [81] [84].
Pigeon and bird related feedback has been increasing from 2013 to 2017 [81] [83]. There are certain hotspots where pigeons have proliferated such as in the vicinity of Masjid Haji Muhammad Salleh [83]. While there have always been pigeons around the area, the problem has worsened over the last 10 years before 2015 [83]. In 2015, the field outside the mosque had an estimate of 400 pigeons, which was twice as many as two years ago [83]. The pigeons fly into the mosque compounds, making them a nuisance to the staff and those who go to the mosque to pray [83]. Their droppings dirty the floor and they congregate at the food areas as well [83]. Other than these nuisances, pigeons may also spread diseases to humans via contact with diseased or dead birds and through contaminated droppings [81].
EXISTING RESOURCES | EFFECTIVENESS | GAPS |
Culling | ||
Birth Control Method (Nicarbazin) Trial
Drug does not harm the birds and it is not toxic to animals or humans unless taken in large amounts (40kg of the feed to see toxic effects in dogs and cats, and 60kg for a child) [83] |
It is expected that it will take a year to show results but success has been reported in Italy where such measures has reduced the pigeon population by 30-40% over 4 years [83] | This is unsustainable as it requires the long term feeding of birds and manpower to do so [81] |
Animal Assisted Interventions
[Categorization required:Where should these be? This can be something that is listed somewhere on the animal pages, but possibly it is better on mental health page, and cross-linked here?]
Animal-assisted Therapy (AAT)
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that involves animals as a form of treatment . It falls under the realm of Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI). AAT may differ in terms of the animals introduced, the reason for therapy, or the targeted audience. In a literature review done in 2000, researchers found that several types of animals such as horses, dogs, and cats have been used for AAT in clinical trials although the most commonly used types of AAT are canine-assisted therapy and equine-assisted therapy.
The goal of AAT is generally to improve a patient's social, emotional, or cognitive functioning and research has found that animals can be useful for educational and motivational effectiveness for participants. There are various studies documenting the positive effects of AAT reported through subjective self-rating scales and objective physiological measures, such as blood pressure, hormone levels, etc.
Canine-assisted Therapy
Canine-assisted therapy has been attempted in various contexts, for various populations. Here are some examples of activities used for canine-assisted therapy, and how they benefit the target population.
Activity | Target
Population |
Benefit(s) |
Feeding dog a treat using a pair of tongs | Individuals with Dementia/ Cognitive impairments | Improves perception, concentration, and provide sensory stimulation for patients with cognitive impairment |
Motor skills tasks modeled by dog | Preschool Children | Completed task faster when modeled by a canine than by the handler |
Dog walking | General | Gives purpose to a walking programme - motivation for adherence |
Activity of daily living e.g. feeding, grooming the dog teeth | Older adults with dementia/ cognitive impairments | Improves physical, behavioural, and emotional function |
Reading to dogs | Children | Improved reading performance |
Communication, establish rapport with dog | Individuals with Schizophrenia | Improve social functioning |
Cases in Singapore
- Therapy Dogs Singapore
- Non-profit voluntary welfare organization established in 2004 to share the unconditional love and affection of canine companions with society’s disadvantaged through Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT), which aims to meet physical, as well as socio-emotional needs [86]
- Conducts regular Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) sessions to its seven adopted homes (AWWA, Bishan Home for Intellectually Disabled, Bethany Nursing Home Choa Chu Kang, IMH, MINDS, SWAMI, Assisi Hospice), in addition to ad hoc visits [86]
- Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) programmes, which involves physiotherapy and occupational therapy goals for select individuals, are also carried out as often as deemed possible [86]
- Therapy dogs are privately owned
- HOPE Dog Rescue
- SOSD's Healing Paws
- Established in 2014 to provide comfort and warmth to persons in need via Animal-Assisted-Activities (AAA) [91]
- Owners and their dogs volunteer their time in institutions such as children’s homes, elderly homes, and hospices, providing companionship, motivation, and recreation [91]
- Programme partners: Assisi Hospice, Ren Ci, Lions Home for the Elders, Ang Mo Kio Thye Hwa Kwan Hospital, Kheng Chiu Loke Tin Kee Home [91]
- Therapy dogs are privately owned
- Pawsibility
- Dover Park Hospice’s Ruby Volunteer Group
- Pet-lovers who bring their beloved companions to interact with patients under the Pets-Assisted Therapy (PAT) Programme [93]
Cases Abroad
- San Francisco SPCA’s Animal Assisted Interactions Programmes
- About 300 volunteer Animal Assisted Interactions (AAI) teams visit locations throughout San Francisco [94]
- Animals are privately owned [94]
- Puppy Dog Tales Reading (PDT) Program started in 2007 to promote literacy and a love of reading in at-risk youth populations [95]
- San Francisco Airport’s Wag Brigade
- Partnership between San Francisco SPCA and San Francisco International Airport [96]
- Programme launched in 2013 to bring trained dogs and a pig [96] to the terminals to improve the experience of passenger travel [97]
- Animals certified through their Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) Program to go around the terminals [97]
- Shelter dog rehomed with Alzheimer’s patients in Province of Bologna (Piva et al., 2008)
- Study investigating if a shelter dog could be rehomed successfully into a facility for people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) [98]
- Assessed effect on animal welfare of this form of pet ownership and of individual sessions of animal assisted activity (AAA) with some pre-selected patients [98]
- Dog’s welfare was monitored during the first 6 months of adoption by integrating various measures (indirect assessment with direct observations of behavioural and clinical responses, assay of hormonal changes) [98]
- Findings suggest a progressive positive integration into the new environment and a gradual reduction of the dog’s stress during AAA sessions [98]
Resource Directory
Government Agencies
NParks Animal & Veterinary Service
Animal Welfare Groups
General
SPCA: Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Singapore)
Keep Caring for Animals in The Society (KEEP C.A.T.S.)
A non-profit organisation that conducts sterilisation of stray cats and dogs, and undertakes rehoming efforts.
MdM Wong's Shelter and Friends
A non-profit organisation seeking to improve companion animal welfare through community engagement.
Dogs
A non-profit non-affliated website which consolidates all dogs for adoption in Singapore for ease of viewing and searching.
Rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes retired breeding dogs.
(OSCAS) Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter
Cats
Sterilisation and Adoption
Other Companion Animals
House Rabbit Society Singapore
Wildlife Management
ACRES: Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Singapore)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/puppy-love-breeds-more-pet-services
- ↑ https://www.meerpets.com/having-a-dog-in-singapore/
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/joint-effort-to-manage-stray-dog-population-in-singapore
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/5-year-plan-to-curb-number-of-stray-dogs-4
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/islandwide-plan-to-sterilise-stray-cats
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/ABA1965#pr41-XX-pr41-
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/definition-of-animals-in-road-traffic-act-to-be-reviewed
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 https://www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/animals/animal-management/living-with-community-animals-in-your-neighbourhood/meeting-stray-dogs
- ↑ https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/WA1965#xv-
- ↑ https://www.tablebuilder.singstat.gov.sg/publicfacing/createDataTable.action?refId=14610
- ↑ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/podcasts/heart-of-the-matter/singapore-pet-dog-cat-rule-adopt-buy-hdb-project-adore-spca-avs-12505288
- ↑ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/dogs-house-training-tips-new-owners-small-big-hdb-flats-size-12521790
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 http://weliveinaflat.com/blog/positive-dog-trainer-in-singapore/
- ↑ http://weliveinaflat.com/blog/basic-obedience-course-and-dog-aggressive-dogs/
- ↑ 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 15.11 https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/surge-abandoned-cats-microchipping-answer
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/some-dogs-given-up-as-part-of-spring-cleaning
- ↑ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/lifestyle/think-twice-before-getting-a-dog-to-celebrate-the-year-of-the-9932228
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 18.7 18.8 https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singaporeans-reminded-to-extend-kindness-to-animals.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANtWONhtstgY4YgmRUUg5X_gvitt1rnwulj0ivbXo7RDcQHBbgzYL-PgYqvZFDRk01M-RssOM1zifZCsyWydX5nt8xTNfImEMP1mSuLC80leyKqhzsyrOIvoADimOS6DsiYPes47v1fWkJiWWY6LL23rZBJp--EIPOu-OiWSQDSZ
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/coronavirus-healthy-rabbits-abandoned-amid-fears
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 20.7 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/dogs-dragged-to-their-death-starved-and-abused-the-rising-number-9372880
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/parliament-matters/q-as/view/written-answer-by-ministry-of-national-development-on-tracking-dog-abandonment-data
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 https://www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/pets/owning-a-pet/lost-and-found-pets/microchipping
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/surge-abandoned-cats-microchipping-answer
- ↑ 24.00 24.01 24.02 24.03 24.04 24.05 24.06 24.07 24.08 24.09 24.10 24.11 24.12 24.13 24.14 24.15 https://www.sfa.gov.sg/docs/default-source/publication/annual-report/ava-ar-2017-18.pdf
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ava-review-pet-regulations-microchipping-cats-abandonment-11320256
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 https://www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/animals/animal-welfare/animal-and-pets-welfare/promoting-responsible-pet-ownership-(rpo)
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 https://www.mnd.gov.sg/happyhands/Mar2019/issue20.pdf
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 https://www.mnd.gov.sg/happyhands/Mar2018/issue18.pdf
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 https://www.ecda.gov.sg/growatbeanstalk/Pages/Human%20Interest%20Stories/Jean-rong-and-Rachel-AVA.aspx
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4 30.5 https://www.catwelfare.org/working-with-youths/
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 31.4 https://www.onlinecitizenasia.com/2015/02/05/bigger-better-animal-welfare-roadshows-but-is-it-enough-to-make-a-difference/
- ↑ 32.00 32.01 32.02 32.03 32.04 32.05 32.06 32.07 32.08 32.09 32.10 32.11 32.12 32.13 32.14 32.15 32.16 32.17 32.18 32.19 32.20 32.21 https://singaporelegaladvice.com/law-articles/animal-abuse-cruelty-singapore-offences-penalties/
- ↑ https://www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/animals/animal-welfare/animal-and-pets-welfare/code-of-animal-welfare-(for-pet-owners)
- ↑ https://www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/animals/animal-welfare/animal-and-pets-welfare/code-of-animal-welfare-(for-pet-industry)
- ↑ https://wiki.sg/p/Platinium_Dogs_Club_scandal_(2018)
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3075512/singapore-animal-shelters-full-pet-adoption-drives
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/coronavirus-animal-shelters-take-adoption-drives-online-amid-drop-in-adoptions-donations
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/covid-19-spore-animal-shelters-see-surge-adoption-and-fostering-interest-cannot-process
- ↑ 39.00 39.01 39.02 39.03 39.04 39.05 39.06 39.07 39.08 39.09 39.10 https://www.mnd.gov.sg/our-work/engaging-our-communities/project-adore
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/view/retired-sniffer-dogs-from-k-9-and-military-working-dog-units-to-be-rehomed-under-pilot-expansion-of-project-adore
- ↑ https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/mindef/news-and-events/latest-releases/article-detail/2019/others/dogadoption19
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/most-spore-animal-shelters-full-groups-cancel-pet-adoption-drives-amid-covid-19-outbreak
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 43.3 43.4 43.5 43.6 43.7 43.8 https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/online-pet-adoptions-getting-more-common
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 44.3 https://www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/outreach/pets%27-day-out/pdo
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 45.4 45.5 https://sosd.org.sg/cause-view/jurong-island-trap-neuter-release-program/
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 46.3 46.4 46.5 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ava-to-roll-out-5-year-sterilisation-programme-to-manage-stray-dog-population
- ↑ https://www.sfa.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/media-release---ava-working-with-animal-welfare-groups-and-vets-to-roll-out-five-year-programme-on-the-sterilisation-of-stray-dogs-to-manage-the-stray-population.pdf
- ↑ https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/pilot-project-test-managing-stray-dogs-without-culling
- ↑ 49.0 49.1 https://www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/animals/animal-management/living-with-community-animals-in-your-neighbourhood/meeting-stray-dogs
- ↑ https://www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/-/media/avs_-feeding-stray-dogs-booklet-(eng).pdf
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 51.3 51.4 https://www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/-/media/avs_-feeding-stray-dogs-booklet-(eng).pdf
- ↑ 52.0 52.1 52.2 52.3 https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/brunch/paws-perous-business-the-booming-pets-trade-thats-also-feeding-an-illicit-market
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 53.3 53.4 53.5 https://sosd.org.sg/sosd-research-study-majority-of-singaporeans-want-stray-dogs-rehomed-not-culled/
- ↑ 54.0 54.1 54.2 54.3 54.4 https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/giving-shelter-dogs-voice-change-publics-perception
- ↑ 55.00 55.01 55.02 55.03 55.04 55.05 55.06 55.07 55.08 55.09 55.10 55.11 55.12 55.13 55.14 55.15 https://pride.kindness.sg/singapores-animal-welfare-groups-struggle-to-stay-afloat-amid-manpower-crisis/
- ↑ 56.0 56.1 56.2 56.3 56.4 56.5 56.6 56.7 https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/understaffed-animal-welfare-groups-tengah-lodge-seek-authorities-help-hire-foreign-workers
- ↑ 57.0 57.1 https://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20100302-201781.html
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/animal-welfare-groups-running-short-of-funds
- ↑ 59.0 59.1 https://www.theurbanwire.com/2019/09/shelters/
- ↑ 60.0 60.1 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/animal-welfare-groups-running-short-of-funds
- ↑ 61.0 61.1 61.2 61.3 61.4 61.5 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/the-animal-lodge-tenants-to-pay-lower-rents-as-nparks-takes-over-management-of-animal
- ↑ 62.0 62.1 62.2 https://www.causesforanimals.com/food-drives.html
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/2-nurses-at-veterinary-clinic-suspended-after-video-of-their-inappropriate-behaviour-with
- ↑ 64.0 64.1 64.2 64.3 64.4 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ensuring-tammy-did-not-die-in-vain
- ↑ 65.0 65.1 https://mothership.sg/2020/05/loki-doxxing/
- ↑ 66.0 66.1 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/loki-puppy-dog-put-down-euthanised-shanmugam-12727672
- ↑ 67.0 67.1 67.2 67.3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6515811/
- ↑ 68.0 68.1 68.2 68.3 https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/is-organic-pet-food-better
- ↑ 69.00 69.01 69.02 69.03 69.04 69.05 69.06 69.07 69.08 69.09 69.10 69.11 69.12 https://pethelpful.com/dogs/IS-CONVENTIONAL-VETERINARY-CARE-COMPROMISING-THE-HEALTH-OF-OUR-PETS-WHAT-IS-THE-SOLUTION
- ↑ 70.0 70.1 70.2 70.3 70.4 70.5 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/vets-react-to-fda-move-on-dry-dog-food-say-other-factors-may-be-at-play-for-heart-disease
- ↑ 71.0 71.1 71.2 71.3 71.4 https://nekojam.com/what-holistic-pet-care-really-means/?v=0f177369a3b7
- ↑ 72.0 72.1 72.2 72.3 72.4 72.5 72.6 72.7 72.8 72.9 https://mothership.sg/2019/05/vesak-day-mercy-release-animal/
- ↑ 73.0 73.1 73.2 73.3 73.4 73.5 https://mothership.sg/2020/03/wildlife-act-singapore/
- ↑ 74.0 74.1 74.2 74.3 74.4 74.5 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/paws-for-reflection-animals-blessed-and-rehomed-as-buddhist-temple-marks-vesak-day
- ↑ 75.0 75.1 75.2 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/dont-hurt-or-kill-that-snake-call-acres
- ↑ https://mothership.sg/2019/01/pest-control-ava-investigate-python/
- ↑ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/snake-python-tang-plaza-pest-control-anticimex-responds-to-ava-11189478
- ↑ https://mothership.sg/2019/03/singapore-pest-control-snake-training-video-abuse/
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/agencies-handling-animals-must-adhere-to-avas-guidelines
- ↑ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/snake-python-tang-plaza-pest-control-anticimex-responds-to-ava-11189478
- ↑ 81.00 81.01 81.02 81.03 81.04 81.05 81.06 81.07 81.08 81.09 81.10 81.11 81.12 81.13 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pigeon-population-keep-growing-unless-people-stop-feeding-10178926
- ↑ 82.0 82.1 82.2 82.3 82.4 82.5 82.6 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/public-education-campaign-shows-how-stopping-littering-feeding-can-curb-pigeon-nuisance
- ↑ 83.00 83.01 83.02 83.03 83.04 83.05 83.06 83.07 83.08 83.09 83.10 83.11 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/drug-trial-by-ava-to-curb-pigeon-population
- ↑ 84.0 84.1 https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/alleged-animal-cruelty-during-pigeon-culling-operation-hougang
- ↑ https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/controlling-pigeon-population-by-poisoning-them-is-cruel
- ↑ 86.0 86.1 86.2 http://www.tdspore.org/wp/about-us/
- ↑ https://www.assisihospice.org.sg/news/therapy-dog-trained-in-hokkien-brings-cheer/
- ↑ http://hopedogrescue.blogspot.com/2018/06/st-josephs-home-animal-assisted-therapy.html
- ↑ http://hopedogrescue.blogspot.com/2018/11/st-josephs-home-animal-assisted-therapy.html
- ↑ 90.0 90.1 http://hopedogrescue.blogspot.com/2020/02/christmas-pet-therapy.html
- ↑ 91.0 91.1 91.2 https://sosd.org.sg/community-outreach/healing-paws/
- ↑ 92.0 92.1 92.2 https://www.pawsibility.com.sg
- ↑ https://www.doverpark.org.sg/our-volunteers/
- ↑ 94.0 94.1 https://www.sfspca.org/animal-assisted-therapy-2/
- ↑ https://www.sfspca.org/animal-assisted-therapy-2/puppy-dog-tales/
- ↑ 96.0 96.1 https://www.sfspca.org/animal-assisted-therapy-2/wag-brigade/
- ↑ 97.0 97.1 https://www.flysfo.com/services-amenities/wag-brigade
- ↑ 98.0 98.1 98.2 98.3 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787807002213?via%3Dihub