More reports on animal cases to AVA

More than 9,500 cases of animal-related issues such as stray pets and alleged cruelty were reported to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) last year, a spike of about 20 per cent from 2011.

The increase in feedback comes even as the AVA introduced a 24-hour hotline in August last year to respond to urgent cases such as animal abuse incidents more quickly.

Previously, people who called the hotline after office hours were directed to voice mail, and their feedback attended to on the next working day.

Now, the line is manned around the clock, and AVA officers will be on the ground within three hours to investigate alleged cruelty to animals, or if there is an immediate threat to people's safety.

More than seven in 10 of the 9,566 calls and e-mail messages last year were reports on stray animals or requests for the loaning and picking up of traps.

The AVA loans out free cages for the catching of monkeys.

"We also observed that cases about noise and smell nuisances from animals other than dogs jumped more than tenfold, from 48 cases in 2011 to 520 cases in 2012," said an AVA spokesman.

Last November, for example, The Straits Times reported on residents who wanted the AVA to remove Asian koels in their neighbourhoods, as the birds' early-morning calls disrupted their sleep.

The AVA said one reason for the rise in the number of cases is that it was appointed the lead government agency for animal-related issues in March last year.

Residents' concerns over crows and pigeons, for example, used to come under the purview of different agencies.

Now, the AVA handles all animal-related feedback and coordinates the response of the relevant agencies.

But animal activist groups here said they have also received more calls from concerned citizens to their own hotlines.

Ms Anbarasi Boopal, 30, director of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) Wildlife Rescue Centre, said that calls to the society's 24-hour hotline have risen from about 70 a month two years ago to about 300 calls a month now.

"More people are aware of animal issues now, especially because of social media. We put up rescue stories on our Facebook page, and that helps to raise awareness," she said.

We really should be more aware of pet abuse. The increase of pet abuse is horrible. i don't know why people just eant to abuse the pets. Why do they even buy the pets in the first place. They should not have bought the pet. The pet would probably be taken care by a loving owner. I hope those pet abusers get caught.

Credits: http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130311-407783.html

Ban children under 16 from buying pets, says SPCA

Children aged under 16, who do not have the maturity or means to take care of pets, should be banned from buying them.

This was one of the recommendations made by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in a draft proposal calling for the Government to make changes to the animal cruelty act by end of this year, reported The Straits Times (ST).

SPCA suggested that teenagers are more prone to impulse buying, which could lead to pets being abandoned once the novelty wears off.

According to the same report, the society also wants the Government to ban animal cruelty offenders from keeping pets, to publish a list of what constitutes as animal cruelty, and to double the maximum penalties of those who abuse animals.

Between July last year and June this year, SPCA received 987 reports of animal cruelty, which is a 15 per cent spike compared to the preceeding 12 months. Of which, dogs being confined in cages for extended periods made up a third of the most recent complaints.

It recommended that having tougher penalties could deter offenders from causing harm to animals. For example, by increasing fines for animal abuse offences to $20,000 or up to two years' jail or both. In addition, fines collected could be channelled toward a fund for the care of animals.

Banning the sale of pets to under-16s without parental consent could also be another way to deal with problem, said the society, citing a case study that teenagers in Europe are not allowed to buy animals unless a parent is present.

It also said that there have been cases of abusers avoiding prosecution due to uncertainty about what counts as mental suffering to animals, which it claimed was not sufficiently covered under the current law.

It questioned practices such as the use of electric collars and other painful aids to train pets, shortening their tails for cosmetic reasons and keeping animals prone to fighting, like Siamese fighting fish, in close quarters.

'It is necessary to recognise that brutal cruelty is not the only way to harm an animal,' it said in its draft.

The society also recommended a committee separate from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) be set up to advise the Government on animal welfare matters.

I think that children under 16 should be banned from buying pets as they do not have the time to take care of them. They also do not know the needs of the pets and just let them be caged up. The pets should be given freedom to move around freely and play around. Some children will also lose interest in the pets after buying them, and they would just abandon them. They should think carefully before making a choice as the pet's life is in the choice.

Credits to:http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20111106-309026.html

Attitudes toward animal abuse

The recent case of a Pomeranian battered to death by a man who remains at large brought tears to the eyes of animal lovers who heard about the incident through news reports. Sympathetic people must have asked themselves: Could no one have stepped in to help? The poor dog must have been terrified and baffled, and throughout its ten minutes of horror before death finally took it, it must have wondered why none of the other humans standing around would intervene on its behalf.

When a dog’s life is worth less than a pack of beer
While some may suggest that Singaporeans are generally apathetic, or fear getting involved in matters beyond their personal affairs, others say that the people of this country do not empathise much with animals, which is why no one has come forward to identify the killer of the Pomeranian despite the offer of a large cash reward. Such lack of empathy may also be the reason why cases of pet abuse seem to be on the rise here.

If that is true, then laws against animal abuse should result in more severe punishment. Longer jail terms and bigger fines will help to send the message that abusing an animal is not a small matter with minor repercussions, but a serious offence that warrants serious action. When that message gets through, even people who do not empathise with non-humans will be more likely to refrain from animal abuse, or stop others from committing animal abuse, purely out of the awareness that a serious crime is being committed.

Yet, the heaviest sentences I have seen meted out include a mere six weeks’ jail for a man who killed a kitten in 2004, and a three-month jail term which a judge turned into a $1,500 fine for a man who kicked a Boxer to death in 1999.

Offenders who have stolen beer and sweets from supermarkets without physically injuring anyone or anything have been jailed for longer than that. Is the life of a dog or cat really worth less than a few packs of alcohol and chocolate? Is that the message our society wants to send out?

What constitutes animal abuse?
Psychologists and other experts who advise that animal abusers be prosecuted or counselled often say that it is wise to re-educate such offenders and keep an eye on them because those who kill or maim animals may go on to kill or maim humans.

While that is a sensible argument for getting through to people who don’t care for animals, it is interesting that we are obliged to resort to it at all. Shouldn’t abusing an animal be an appalling act in itself? Must it be prevented only because of the possibility that humans may later be harmed? Surely the animal’s life is of value in itself.

One difficulty in preventing animal abuse, though, is that people’s definitions of what constitutes abuse may differ. To one person, abuse involves inflicting serious and permanent physical harm on an animal; to another, it means depriving a pampered pet of luxuries.

Between those extremes is a range of acts that may include caning, smacking, confinement in small spaces, tying up the pet, failure to provide adequate food and water, failure to provide shelter from the elements, failure to provide companionship, failure to give the pet adequate exercise, depriving the pet of rest, pressuring the pet to perform tricks, failing to provide adequate medical attention, frightening or intimidating the animal, sending inconsistent disciplinary messages, causing unnecessary stress, and not providing love and affection.

To some pet owners, some of those acts are abusive; to other pet owners, some of those acts are part of the normal relationship between animals and humans. Those who campaign for animal rights consider slaughtering a chicken for food cruel and abusive; those who make a living selling meat regard slaughtering chickens as acceptable so long as the chickens aren’t pets, and are killed quickly, without unnecessary suffering.

People who take one position are not easily converted to another. However, definitions and societal tolerance may change over time, along with changes in society. Gradually, more people are seeing that causing emotional suffering and distress to a pet can be as abusive as harming it physically.

Even if a pet is not permanently or seriously hurt, but is a neurotic wreck because it never knows when it will or will not be punished, should that not be considered abuse? If a pet is regularly threatened, or tied up or confined to a cage all day, is that not abusive?

People attitudes towards pets are getting from bad to worst. They just abuse their pets like they are just an object. They even just abandoned the pets after abusing them without treating their wounds. They are so cruel! They should be caught and handed over to the police. Pets are also living creatures. They have feelings too. We should not just treat them like they are a object. Pets are the most loyal to you compared to people. The abusers even caused their pets to have psychological problems and the pets become mentally unstable. We should give our utmost care to the pets. Pet abusers should be disgusted of themself, for harming such a innocent little creature.

Affluence behind rise in cases of pet abuse

For Mr Joel Foo, offering to look after Yuki, an unwanted three-year-old husky, not only helped him overcome his childhood fear of dogs, but also saw him becoming the owner of not one, but three dogs.

The 44-year-old entrepreneur said yesterday: "I actually hated dogs, but I offered to look after Yuki while her previous owner tried to find someone to adopt her. (In the end,) I adopted her because we got along very well."

However, not all dogs are as fortunate, based on figures from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

A total of 987 alleged cases of abuse and neglect were reported to the SPCA between July last year and June this year, a 15 per cent rise from a year ago.

Ms Corrine Fong, 47, executive director of the SPCA, attributed the rise to the "growing affluence" of pet owners here.

She said: "More people here now have more money to buy pets, and, as the number of pet owners rise, so do the number of cases of neglect and abandonment."

She was speaking on the sidelines of a World Animal Day carnival at East Coast Park organised by the SPCA yesterday.

"The most common reasons... are that (the owners) have no time to look after the pet, that the maid has gone home, or that they are downsizing their house," she added.

Ms Fong pointed out that owners needed to be responsible when choosing pets.

"People like to buy exotic pets, like chow chows or huskies, which are not ideally suited to Singapore's climate. They require special attention if they are to live in Singapore," she said.

Even people who hates dogs even adopt an unwanted dog. They are very kind and not many owners can be like that. Some pets were neglected and left to fend for themselves. We should think first before buying the pets as it requires heavy responsibility to take care of it. 

Credits to: http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110926-301451.html

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SPCA monthly report of May

The owners are so cruel! They should have considered first before buying them. Pets are living things also, we should give our utmost care and respect to the pets. We should not just live them to die like it's nobody business. Those owners are so irresponsible.

Credits: http://www.spca.org.sg/

If you can't see the pictures, you can go to

http://www.spca.org.sg/services_inspectorate_crueltycases.asp
to see. Thanks!:)

'Ignorance' a factor in animal abuse

 

Stiffer penalties could be introduced as a deterrent against animal cruelty, said Member of Parliament Yeo Guat Kwang, chairman of a committee to review legislation on animal welfare.
This was among the suggestions received by the Animal Welfare Legislation Review Committee, formed by the Government earlier this year.

Under the law, anyone found guilty of animal cruelty can be fined up to $10,000, jailed up to 12 months, or both.

Speaking on the sidelines of an Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority roadshow held at Causeway Point mall yesterday, Mr Yeo said: "There were many calls for stiffer penalties... But we also found that many of the wrongdoers (were) ignorant of (proper) care for the pets."
Alternative measures could be implemented to help these people learn how to take better care of animals instead, he said, adding that they could, perhaps, be sent to do community service with animal-welfare groups.

The committee has held six consultation sessions with about 170 participants, including pet-industry players, grassroots leaders, veterinarians and animal-welfare groups and activists. Mr Yeo said the committee hopes to reach out to more people, and will launch a month-long online consultation next month. The committee will also work with grassroots organisations to get feedback through more traditional channels.

It expects to firm up the suggestions and submit them to the Government by the end of the year. Another suggestion was to educate pet owners by having grassroots and community organisations run awareness classes on animal welfare.

Mr Yeo said that there were also calls for the pet industry to play a more active role. One of the recommendations was for the establishment of an "accreditation scheme" for the pet industry.
"We want to make sure all those working in pet shops are well trained and they comply with a certain industry standard," he said.

Pre-sale screening of potential buyers was another possibility, to ensure that they were not buying on impulse, and had the knowledge and skills to look after a pet.
"So, (it's) not just for (the sake) of making money," Mr Yeo said

Credits:http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120813-364980.html

I think that ignorance is really a factor in pet abuse. The owners ignore the needs of the pet and does not understand them so they tend to ignore it. We show our pets the love they need as our pets are loyal to us and they love us.

Chance

Pets are just asking for a chance to live. We should give them a chance and not destroy it.

Pets love us!

★ It is truly amazing how our pets give us countless reasons to love them! ★ ~

Puppy Survives 4 Weeks in Impounded Car

This little puppy almost died in the car of dehydration!How could owners be so irresponsible!

A 12-week-old puppy somehow managed to survive for four of those weeks in an impounded car in Kansas City, the Kansas City Star reports. Little Kia is believed to have subsisted on McDonald's trash and cigars that were left in the Buick, which was impounded April 8 for being illegally parked, but employees at the tow lot saw no sign of any water in the car. She arrived at the city's animal shelter after finally being found yesterday, emaciated and dehydrated and looking more like an 8-week-old puppy, and was finally able to eat a little dog food.

The terrier-schnauzer mix is expected to survive—KSHBnotes that the cooler weather likely had a hand in that—and will be placed in a foster home so she can be trained and get veterinary care before going up for adoption in two weeks. Employees at the tow lot are upset, and say they're not sure how Kia went undetected for so long; it's possible she was hiding, and employees typically don't unlock doors when a car arrives locked, as this one did. No one ever came to claim the car or the dog. City officials are investigating.

So touching!

A little difference can make a big impact!

Dogs are loyal

Dogs care for their owner more than they care for themselves. We should not take it for granted.

Pets are living things

Adopted pet

Friends

SHARE if you love animals!

Pets are for life

Pets are for life. We should not hurt them in any way.

Neglect

We should not neglect our pets. They need our love.

Pets are innocent

Pet are not guilty of anything. It is the owner that abuses the pets who are guilty.

No excuse for animal abuse

There is no excuse for animal abuse. We should not harm them. They are just innocent little creatures that need love from their owners. You bought the pet so you should give them the love they need

Cruel

How could people do this now a days.Animals have feelings too.

Voices

Pet don't have voices but we have voices that can speak up for them when they need our help.

Animal neglect cases on the rise: SPCA

We should not neglect our pets as we bought them for company not to neglect them. We bought them for a reason. We should care for them and give them the attention they need. Those who neglect pets should not even buy pets in the first place.


Credits to: http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120223-329777.html

AsiaOne
Thursday, Feb 23, 2012

In a statement to the media, the SPCA said 70 per cent of the 1,027 cases of alleged cruelty to animals it investigated involved neglected pets.

These included rabbits, which were largely left unattended and in cages outside the owners' houses, dogs and cats in small cages, dogs tied up for long periods and sick pets left untreated.

Despite SPCA's investigations and advice to the owners, less than 30 per cent of them made improvements to their pets' living conditions.

These owners cited reasons such as lack of time or that their pets were already used to the current living conditions.

"As the SPCA does not have enforcement powers, the more serious cases, or those where no improvements were made, were referred to the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority for further action," said the SPCA.

The society believed that the increase is the result of owners not taking the appropriate measures and responsibility needed when having a pet.

"It is our opinion that many owners want to enjoy the perceived fun experience of owning a pet, but are not bothered to accept or take on the accompanying responsibility.

"A common example from the cases we have investigated is that it doesn't seem to cross the mind of many owners to bring their pets to the veterinarian for regular visits to keep them healthy," it said. 

SPCA also attributed insufficient education at the point of sale to much of the problem, where the animals' needs were not properly communicated to new pet owners.

It said in the written statement: "For example, cages are often sold together with dogs, and owners are advised to train the animals in them but in the SPCA's experience, the cage often becomes the dog's permanent home, and a welfare issue results."

At an upcoming Animal Welfare Symposium and Public Forum on Animal Welfare Policies on February 25, the SPCA will be presenting an overview on Animal Cruelty Legislation Change.

A spokesperson from the society said: "This will focus on why we need our animal cruelty laws enhanced and that the issue of pet neglect is a serious one and needs to be addressed."

Nearly half of alleged animal abuse cases 'unintentional'

Saviour was born without front legs and gets around with a mobility aid made by owner Michael Tan (right). They were at the SPCA's World Animal Day 2012 carnival.

I wanted to show your this article as we need to tend to our pet's needs as we may give them the wrong needs.

By Elizabeth Kamaldi
my paper
Monday, Oct 01, 2012

Nearly half the reports of alleged animal abuse here are due to pet owners being unaware of their pets' needs.

In such "unintentional" cases, pet owners do not know what constitutes neglect, said Ms Corinne Fong, executive director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Ms Fong said: "If a dog needs medical attention but the owner doesn't take it to a vet, thinking it can become cured on its own, (that) is neglect."

She was speaking to my paper at the SPCA's World Animal Day 2012 carnival, held at the East Coast Park yesterday. The SPCA also celebrated its 65th anniversary at the event.

Other animal-welfare groups, such as the Cat Welfare Society, Super Cuddles Clubhouse and Action for Singapore Dogs, also joined in the celebrations.

Among the pet owners spotted there was 50-year-old Michael Tan, owner of a five-month-old mongrel which was born without its two front legs.

"Every living thing should be given a chance, he's no less than a regular dog," said Mr Tan, who works in sales.

He adopted the puppy, which he named Saviour, from the SPCA when it was about 10 days old.

In order to help Saviour get around, he handcrafted a mobility aid using plastic pipes and wheels.

Mr Tan said: "The frame has been enlarged five or six times, as Saviour outgrows it every two to three weeks."

From June last year till this July, the SPCA has helped 1,383 animals find a home through its adoption programme.

In the same period, it investigated 1,027 cases of alleged animal cruelty.

Ms Fong said that the majority of pet breeders here are "appalling".

She said: "In spite of broken hips and broken bones, some still continue to let animals breed.

"If you're thinking of buying a pet... ask the sales attendant where it is from, and ask to see the facilities. If the breeder is a good one, he or she will invite you to the facility."

Ms Veron Lau, president of the Cat Welfare Society, stressed the importance of cat sterilisation in order to prevent a "population explosion".

She said: "(Some cat owners) don't know what to do, so they let nature take its course. When there are too many cats in the house, they just take a box and put them outside."

Credits to: http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20121001-374680.html

10% more animal-cruelty cases received by SPCA

I wanted to show this article as animal creulty is increasing and we need to stop it. They are harmless and innocent. We should not abuse them. Those who abuse animals are heartless and we need help animals who are abused find a home home that is filled with love.

my paper
Friday, Feb 24, 2012

The number of alleged animal-cruelty cases received by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) increased by 10 per cent last year from 2010. SPCA received and attended to 1,027 cases last year.

SPCA executive director Corrine Fong said yesterday that, with more people buying exotic pets due to rising affluence, the number of cases naturally rose. More cases could also have been reported due to greater awareness of animal cruelty.

Dog burned alive

This dog was burned alive by teenagers for fun.This is a cruel act to these innocent creatures. We should stop this kind of abuse. We were given pets to treasure them and not to hurt them.

Pet Picture

Credits to: https://www.facebook.com/theanimalrescuesite

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Over 50 Hougang residents rush to help stray dog after hearing its cries (28 Apr 2013)

"The incident happened on April 27, around 10.30pm and lasted about one to two hours.

"It started with a stray dog that was around the neighborhood for years already. After that, some residents made a police report regarding this stray dog.

"The police activated the AVA to come down to catch the dog. They were trying to catch it with a spiked rope. The dog was bleeding and was barking very loudly.

"Residents living in Hougang heard it and immediately rushed to the scene to defend the dog to prevent it from being caught and possibly put down.

"The commotion ended with at least 50 to 60 people at the scene with 6 police officers, a group of welfare association members and a few AVA catchers.

"In the end the dog was safely brought to a vet and to the Animal Welfare Association."


Credits to: http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/in_the_heartlands/1766104/hougang_residents_help_stray_dog.html

SPCA submits paper to the Ministry of National Development (MND) for Legislation Change

In December 2011, SPCA submitted a proposal for legislative reform (Animals and Birds Act, Part IV, the ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ sections 42 to 44) to the Ministry of National Development and apart from proposing increased penalties for existing offences based on cruelty, we are proposing that failure to take care of the welfare of pets should also amount to an offence and be punishable as such. Reports of alleged cruelty to animals have increased – in the last decade they have doubled. Presently we are receiving 85 reports on average per month. Coupled with the increased number of reported pet neglect cases, we have a more aware public who does not hesitate to vocalise or express their opinions on animal cruelty issues, whether directly to the SPCA or through media/online avenues.

Over the past 27 years, the SPCA has recorded over 40 cases of animal cruelty prosecutions. In most of the police cases, we have assisted through meeting up with the police at the scene, taking the animal/s for veterinary consultation/providing a veterinary report or bringing the dead animals to the AVA for an official post-mortem. The SPCA have followed up with the police in many of these cases with our reports or opinions to ensure that they were prosecuted.

Credits to: http://www.spca.org.sg/services_inspectorate_law.asp

Pics

Credits to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Funny-Texts/419965481419824

''Every dog deserves a home but not every home deserves a dog''
-Cesar Milan(Dog Whisperer)
But in this case,it applies to all pets

Dogs killed, cats slashed... animal cruelty cases on the rise

Credits to: http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130417-416663.

By Sue-Ann Tan And Debbie Lee
The Straits Times
Friday, Apr 19, 2013

SINGAPORE - The number of reports of animal cruelty rose by a fifth last year, new figures reveal, and cases are continuing to rise.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) received 480 complaints last year, up from 400 in 2011.

In addition, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has seen an increase of up to 5 per cent in animal abuse incidents reported so far this year, compared to last year. It received 1,017 such reports from July 2011 to June last year.

A string of horrific cases have already been reported this month. Seven stray dogs were found killed, poisoned or injured in Punggol on April 3. Over the next two days, several stray cats were slashed and a mini bull terrier in Changi Village had a leg cut off. On April 7, two cats, suspected of being beaten to death, were found in Tanglin Halt. A day later, a cat was found with glue on its fur.

Cat Welfare Society president Veron Lau said: "We are not sure that the cases can be traced to the same abuser as abusers normally have a single modus operandi and these cats were all injured by different means. But these cases are still highly suspicious as they all took place around the same area, at around the same time."

Three animal welfare groups - Save Our Street Dogs, Mutts And Mittens and the Cat Welfare Society - have posted photos of abuse incidents online, in an effort to raise awareness. One picture of an injured dog has been shared more than 300 times.

A panel looking into animal abuse, chaired by Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Yeo Guat Kwang, has called for stiffer fines and longer jail terms for repeat offenders.

SPCA executive director Corinne Fong said awareness of animal abuse is growing. "There may be more reports now due to the power of social media," she said. "In the past, stray feeders just took the abused animals into their care. Now there's a lot of third-party reporting."

Executive Daphne Xiao, 23, an animal lover, has shared some pictures of abused animals online. She said: "The abusers' actions are really inhumane and I feel the cases should be brought to light."

Welfare groups said many suspected animal abuse incidents cannot be verified due to a lack of credible witnesses.

Said Ms Fong: "We need to educate people on what to do when they see animal abuse. Photos and videos are not enough. We need vet reports."

What are abused pets thinking

Pets are loyal

Our pets are loyal to us so we should also be loyal to them and not abandon them.

Picture: Hachiko-The faithful dog

Pet

Reports of animal cruelty cases on the rise

A dog in Punggol with injuries, most likely caused by glass shards. The number of reports of animal cruelty rose by a fifth last year, new figures reveal, and cases are continuing to rise. -- PHOTO: SAVE OUR PETS

THE number of reports of animal cruelty rose by a fifth last year, new figures reveal, and cases are continuing to rise.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) received 480 complaints last year, up from 400 in 2011.

In addition, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has seen an increase of up to 5 per cent in animal abuse incidents reported so far this year, compared to last year. It received 1,017 such reports from July 2011 to June last year.

A string of horrific cases have already been reported this month. Seven stray dogs were found killed, poisoned or injured in Punggol on April 3. Over the next two days, several stray cats were slashed and a mini bull terrier in Changi Village had a leg cut off. On April 7, two cats, suspected of being beaten to death, were found in Tanglin Halt. A day later, a cat was found with glue on its fur.

5 Ways to Stop Animal Abuse and Prevent Animal Cruelty

1. Speak for Animals

Animals can't speak up when they are being abused, so when you see something, say something. If you witness an act of animal cruelty in your neighborhood, contact the authorities immediately. Report the incident to your local police department, animal control or humane society. Animal cruelty, neglect and abuse are illegal in every state in the nation under the Animal Welfare Act.

2. Teach Children to Respect Animals

Help stop animal abuse by being a role model to your children and showing them how to properly take care of and handle animals. To reach even more kids, talk to your children's school or neighborhood community center and see if you can arrange an assembly on responsible pet ownership. Respecting animals needs to start young because acts of violence towards pets can sometimes be an indicator of violence towards people later in life.

3. Vote!

Put politicians in office who support animal protection legislation. Check out candidates' websites or call their headquarters and find out how they plan to help stop animal abuse in your area. You can also write to your current representatives and ask them to support laws that increase punishment for animal abusers or increase the number animal control officers.

4. Say NO to Puppy Mills

Puppy mills are a horrible reality of the pet industry. Help stop animal abuse by refusing to buy pets or supplies from any store or website that sell animals. While you may think buying a puppy mill pet is saving an animal, it is only encouraging these mills to stay in business by keeping up the demand for their product. Only adopt from shelters or buy from reputable breeders and tell your friends to do the same.

5. Volunteer or Donate

Prevent animal cruelty by volunteering your time and talents to a worthy cause. Even a few hours a week holding and petting animals at a shelter increases their chance of being adopted by making them more people friendly. If you are a writer, offer to help write the newsletter or lend your design skills to their website and advertisements. If you don't have the time to volunteer, you can still make a difference by donating to an animal rights organization in your community.


Credits to: http://www.petside.com/article/5-simple-ways-prevent-animal-cruelty

Cat allegedly flung to its death from Marsiling block

Credits to: http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Crime/Story/A1Story20130122-397141.html

SINGAPORE - A cat was allegedly flung to its death from Block 4, Marsiling Road at about 9.30am on Sunday morning.

Marsiling residents told the Cat Welfare Society (CWS) that they heard a loud thud and the footsteps of someone running away before they discovered the cat's body.

They also said that they had heard a cat mewing for two days but, despite searching, were unable to locate the feline.

The incident comes less than a month after two kittens were found dismembered in an HDB common corridor in Chong Pang.

CWS president Veron Lau said the authorities have been informed about the dead cat but the case has not been classified as abuse yet.

"We need people to come forward, give us proper statements and tell us if they recognise the cat as someone's pet," said Ms Lau.

"We also need them to share with us what they saw and heard that morning before abuse can be ascertained."