The Agri-food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) would like to appeal to the public to come forward with information and to testify if they know who the owner of the dog is so that AVA can take appropriate action. AVA will not hesitate to prosecute the owner if there is sufficient evidence. Under the Animals and Birds Act, anyone convicted of cruelty to an animal can be fined up to $500 and /or jailed up to 6 months.
On average, AVA removes from the streets about 300 dogs a month. An estimated 1-6 per cent of these 300 dogs are believed to be abandoned. We believe this is a result of people acquiring pets without careful consideration or appreciating the important responsibilities that come with pet ownership. We would therefore like to take this opportunity, during this holiday season, to recommend the following three "golden rules" to anyone who is thinking of getting a pet:
- A pet is for life
- Do not buy a pet on impulse and
- Do not give a pet as a present.
(More information on the responsibilities of pet ownership is available at our website: - http://www.ava.gov.sg under the Centre for Animal Welfare and Control)
We would like once again to remind pet owners not to abandon their pets if they cannot take care of them anymore. They can surrender their pets to SPCA or call the Animal Control Section of AVA at Tel: 1800-4761600 and our officers will collect their unwanted pets. This service is free of charge.
Issued by Agri-food & Veterinary Authority
on 5 Dec 2000 |