Latest news with #AlvinTan
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
New Singapore advisory cautions against use of electronic shock collars, prong collars on dogs
SINGAPORE: Dog owners are urged to avoid using electronic shock collars and prong collars to train their pets as such devices can cause serious harm, according to a new advisory released by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) on Saturday (July 26). Electronic collars are designed to deliver stimulus such as an electric shock, vibration or spray at the dog's neck. Prong collars comprise a series of links with teeth or blunted ends, designed to pinch the skin around a dog's neck when it is tightened. Both fall under a category of tools called aversive training devices, which inflict discomfort or pain to deter unwanted behaviour in dogs. Such devices are easily available online, and can cost from $15 to more than $250. The advisory, which aims to help dog owners understand the downside of such devices, was launched by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan during the Pets' Day Out event held at Tampines Boulevard Park. The event saw pet lovers gathering for workshops and a pet marketplace. AVS, a cluster within the National Parks Board (NParks), will also be reviewing the need to regulate the use of animal training devices, as part of the review of the Animals and Birds Act. The review will take into consideration the outcomes and feedback for the advisory. Said Tan: '(The advisory) provides clear, science-based guidance to help dog trainers and pet owners make informed and responsible decisions about training methods.' The advisory also strongly encourages positive, rewards-based training methods. 'These are methods that help build trust with our dogs, making them feel safe and confident, while training and teaching them to better adapt to life in our urban environment,' said Tan. 'The use of aversive dog training devices should only be chosen as a last resort and only by trained professionals or under the supervision of one.' Singapore Veterinary Association president Teo Boon Han said the advisory was a good first step in outreach and education. - Photo: ST The 34-page document was developed by the Dog Training Standards Workgroup, which comprises dog trainers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups and representatives from working dog units. Formed in August 2024, the work group is co-chaired by the AVS and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The advisory details the different types of electronic and prong collars, and the adverse impact it can have on a dog. Other than causing direct distress such as pain, fear and anxiety, aversive tools may also exacerbate and worsen existing behaviour problems. Dog trainers and vets alike lauded the launch of the advisory. Anna Koo, founder of dog training company Mutt Matters, said she usually handles cases of dogs that display reactive or aggressive behaviours. More often than not, the cases are linked to use of aversive devices. Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan interacting with dogs and their owners during the Pets' Day Out event at Tampines Boulevard Park on July 26. - Photo: ST Koo explained that aversive devices will typically suppress problematic behaviour such as growling, lunging or barking. However, these are ways that a dog expresses fear or discomfort. 'Over time, the dog will learn that it is not safe for it to communicate. So then you may start to get a silent, biting dog, which is far more dangerous,' said Koo, 48. President of the Singapore Veterinary Association Teo Boon Han said that the advisory is a good first step in outreach and education, and he hopes there will be no need to take further measures. 'Hopefully, with these collective efforts, we can work together, and we don't need to take that next step (towards more measures). As a society, if there is internal motivation to change the way we treat animals, that's the best outcome,' said Dr Teo. - The Straits Times/ANN
New Paper
4 days ago
- Health
- New Paper
Electronic shock collars, prong collars can cause serious harm to dogs: AVS
Dog owners are urged to avoid using electronic shock collars and prong collars to train their pets as such devices can cause serious harm, according to a new advisory released by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) on July 26. Electronic collars are designed to deliver stimulus such as an electric shock, vibration or spray at the dog's neck. Prong collars comprise a series of links with teeth or blunted ends, designed to pinch the skin around a dog's neck when it is tightened. Both fall under a category of tools called aversive training devices, which inflict discomfort or pain to deter unwanted behaviour in dogs. Such devices are easily available online, and can cost from $15 to more than $250. The advisory, which aims to help dog owners understand the downside of such devices, was launched by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan during the Pets' Day Out event held at Tampines Boulevard Park. The event saw pet lovers gathering for workshops and a pet marketplace. AVS, a cluster within the National Parks Board (NParks), will also be reviewing the need to regulate the use of animal training devices, as part of the review of the Animals and Birds Act. The review will take into consideration the outcomes and feedback for the advisory. Said Mr Tan: "(The advisory) provides clear, science-based guidance to help dog trainers and pet owners make informed and responsible decisions about training methods." The advisory also strongly encourages positive, rewards-based training methods. "These are methods that help build trust with our dogs, making them feel safe and confident, while training and teaching them to better adapt to life in our urban environment," said Mr Tan. "The use of aversive dog training devices should only be chosen as a last resort and only by trained professionals or under the supervision of one." The 34-page document was developed by the Dog Training Standards Workgroup, which comprises dog trainers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups and representatives from working dog units. Formed in August 2024, the work group is co-chaired by the AVS and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A prong collar (left) and electronic shock collar on display. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG The advisory details the different types of electronic and prong collars, and the adverse impact it can have on a dog. Other than causing direct distress such as pain, fear and anxiety, aversive tools may also exacerbate and worsen existing behaviour problems. Dog trainers and vets alike lauded the launch of the advisory. Mrs Anna Koo, founder of dog training company Mutt Matters, said she usually handles cases of dogs that display reactive or aggressive behaviours. More often than not, the cases are linked to use of aversive devices. Mrs Koo explained that aversive devices will typically suppress problematic behaviour such as growling, lunging or barking. However, these are ways that a dog expresses fear or discomfort. "Over time, the dog will learn that it is not safe for it to communicate. So then you may start to get a silent, biting dog, which is far more dangerous," said Mrs Koo, 48. Singapore Veterinary Association president Teo Boon Han said the advisory was a good first step in outreach and education. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG President of the Singapore Veterinary Association Teo Boon Han said that the advisory is a good first step in outreach and education, and he hopes there will be no need to take further measures. "Hopefully, with these collective efforts, we can work together, and we don't need to take that next step (towards more measures). As a society, if there is internal motivation to change the way we treat animals, that's the best outcome," said Dr Teo.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
New advisory cautions against use of electronic shock collars and prong collars on dogs
Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan interacting with dogs and their owners during the Pets' Day Out at Tampines Boulevard Park on July 26. SINGAPORE – Dog owners are being discouraged from using electronic shock collars and prong collars to train their pets as such devices can cause serious harm to canines, according to a new advisory released by Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) on July 26. Electronic collars are designed to deliver stimulus such as an electric shock, vibration or spray at the dog's neck. Prong collars comprise a series of links with teeth or blunted ends, designed to pinch the skin around a dog's neck when it's tightened. Both fall under a category of tools called aversive training devices, which inflict discomfort or pain to deter unwanted behaviour in dogs. Such devices are easily available online, and can cost between $15 to over $250. The advisory, which aims to help dog owners understand the downsides of such devices, was launched by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan during the Pet's Day Out event held at Tampines Boulevard Park. The event saw pet lovers gathering for workshops and a pet marketplace. AVS, a cluster within the National Parks Board (NParks), will also be reviewing the need to license the use of animal training devices, as part of the review of Animals and Birds Act. The review will take into consideration the outcomes and feedback for the advisory. Said Mr Tan: '(The advisory) provides clear, science-based guidance to help dog trainers and pet owners make informed and responsible decisions about training methods.' The advisory also strongly encourages positive, rewards-based training methods. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Students hide vapes in underwear, toilet roll holders: S'pore schools grapple with vaping scourge Singapore 'I've tried everything': Mum helpless as son's Kpod addiction spirals out of control Singapore Almost half of planned 30,000 HDB flats in Tengah to be completed by end-2025: Chee Hong Tat Singapore Black belt in taekwondo, Grade 8 in piano: S'pore teen excels despite condition that limits movements Singapore As Asean looks to nuclear energy, public education efforts are needed: UN nuclear watchdog chief Asia Thousands rally in downtown Kuala Lumpur for resignation of PM Anwar Asia Death toll climbs as Thai-Cambodia clashes continue despite calls for ceasefire Asia Shunsaku Tamiya, who brought perfection to plastic race car models, dies at 90 'These are methods that help build trust with our dogs, making them feel safe and confident, while training and teaching them to better adapt to life in our urban environment,' said Mr Tan. 'The use of aversive dog training devices should only be chosen as a last resort and only by trained professionals or under the supervision of one.' The 34-page document was developed by the Dog Training Workgroup, which comprises dog trainers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups and representatives from working dog units. Formed in Aug 2024, the workgroup is co-chaired by the AVS and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A prong collar (left) and electronic shock collar on display. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG The advisory details the different types of electronic and prong collars, and the negative impact it can have on a dog's welfare. Other than causing direct distress such as pain, fear and anxiety, aversive tools may also exacerbate and worsen existing behaviour problems. Dog trainers and vets alike laud the launch of the advisory. Mrs Anna Koo, founder of dog training company Mutt Matters, said she usually handles cases of dogs who display reactive or aggressive behaviours. More often than not, the cases are linked to use of aversive devices. Mrs Koo explained that aversive devices will typically suppress problematic behaviour such as growling, lunging or barking. However, these are ways that a dog expresses fear or discomfort. 'Over time, the dog will learn that it is not safe for it to communicate. So then you may start to get a silent, biting dog, which is far more dangerous,' said Mrs Koo, 48. Singapore Veterinary Association president Teo Boon Han said the advisory was a good first step. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG President of the Singapore Veterinary Association Teo Boon Han said that the advisory is a good first step in outreach and education, and he hopes there is no need to take further measures. 'Hopefully, with these collective efforts, we can work together, and we don't need to take that next step (towards more measures.) As a society, if there is internal motivation to change the way we treat animals, that's the best outcome,' said Dr Teo.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Singapore's first recorded turtle hatchlings for 2025 released off Sisters' Islands
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Seventy-six babies set off on their journey to adulthood on July 25 after NParks measured them for research purposes. SINGAPORE – Hatchlings from the first recorded hawksbill turtle nest of 2025 in Singapore took their earliest dip in the sea off Sisters' Islands on July 25 morning. Announcing their release, Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan said on Facebook that the clutch of 123 eggs belonging to the critically endangered hawksbill turtle were uncovered by the National Parks Board (NParks) at East Coast Park in early June. Their location meant that the odds of survival would have been slim, said Mr Tan, as turtle eggs take about two months to hatch, during which they would have been threatened by high human traffic and predators, and risk being inundated by high tides. To protect the turtles, the eggs were retrieved by NParks staff and moved to the Sisters' Islands Marine Park Turtle Hatchery, another popular nesting spot for marine turtles. Of these, 76 babies set off on their journey to adulthood on July 25 after Nparks measured them for research purposes. Hawksbill turtles, named after their powerful beak-like mouth, typically visit Singapore's shores between May and October to lay their eggs. Emerging from the nest is just the start of a hatchling's test of endurance as they grapple with many challenges on their journey to the sea, including predators like shorebirds, and the risk of disorientation caused by artificial light sources. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore SMRT to pay lower fine of $2.4m for EWL disruption; must invest at least $600k to boost reliability Singapore MRT service changes needed to modify 3 East-West Line stations on Changi Airport stretch: LTA Asia Live: Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue for second day Singapore Etomidate found in blood of 2 people involved in fatal Punggol Road accident in May: HSA Singapore Vape disposal bins at 23 CCs for users to surrender e-vaporisers, without facing penalties Singapore Tipsy Collective sues former directors, HR head; alleges $14m lost from misconduct, poor decisions Sport Training sessions at World Aquatics Masters Championships cancelled due to Sentosa's water quality issues Singapore Kopi, care and conversation: How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly They then face other risks in the open sea, such as accidental entanglement with rubbish and illegal poachers. Acknowledging the difficulties, Mr Tan said the chance of these hatchlings surviving to adulthood is less than 0.1 per cent, but he hopes that they will return one day. Hawksbill turtles take roughly two decades to mature, and only females return to nest on beaches near where they hatched. While collaborative work to help Singapore's sea turtles has been ongoing for nearly two decades, NParks initiated aprogramme in 2016 to conserve the two native turtle species, both of which are at high risk of extinction. The other species, the green turtle, is endangered and much less encountered. Dr Karenne Tun, group director of the National Biodiversity Centre, told The Straits Times that Nparks has recorded about 170 hawksbill turtle sightings in Singapore between 2020 and June 2025. They include nests and turtle tracks. Hawksbill turtles take roughly two decades to mature, and only females return to nest on beaches near where they hatched. PHOTO: ALVIN TAN/FACEBOOK There were only 66 turtle sightings from 2005 to 2016, the year its programme was launched. As part of the programme, NParks conducts biodiversity beach patrols during nesting season at dawn between 5am and 7am to look for nesting turtles, laid nests and hatchlings. Dr Tun advises members of the public who encounter a nesting turtle on the beach to keep their distance from the turtle and the eggs. This is because touching a turtle can scare or provoke it, and handling the eggs may result in damage or the introduction of bacteria into the nest. Instead, they can contact the NParks helpline on 1800-471-7300 to report their sighting. Dr Tun said: 'They should talk softly and stay out of sight, and not shine lights at the turtle or use flash photography. 'Light and noise may scare the turtle and cause it to leave without laying any eggs.' The public should also keep clear of tracks left by the turtles as researchers use the tracks to identify the species of the turtle and to locate the nest. Those who are interested in participating in NParks' efforts to monitor sea turtle populations in Singapore can join NParks' Biodiversity Beach Patrol through its website .
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Mice industry will need more manpower in areas like technology, sustainability: Alvin Tan
Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development Alvin Tan speaks during the Mice Awards Gala Dinner at Sands Expo & Convention Centre on July 24. SINGAPORE – Singapore will need more people in the Mice industry – that is, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions – to hit its goal of tripling Mice tourism receipts from $1.4 billion in 2019 to $4.5 billion by 2040. It is especially looking for those with expertise in sustainability and technology, said Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan, on the sidelines of the Singapore Mice Awards 2025 on July 24. These skills will help draw global event organisers to Singapore, he added. He cited examples such as using machine learning and artificial intelligence to make organising Mice events more exciting and less labour-intensive. 'People, as we know, are behind the heart of every Mice experience and behind every successful Mice event – where you start from 5.30 in the morning to those who are cleaning up after today's dinner,' Mr Tan said. 'That's why we must continually identify, grow and develop talent in our industry.' Singapore recently secured several Mice events for multi-year contracts such as the Milken Institute Asia Summit, which will be from 2026 to 2028. It will also host the Asian edition of world-leading trade shows from Europe, such as Passenger Terminal Expo Asia and Breakbulk Asia in 2026, and InnoTrans Asia in 2027. They span growing industries, such as aviation, logistics and transport technology. The groundwork for this talent pipeline is already being laid, Mr Tan added. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business GIC posts 3.8% annualised return over 20 years despite economic uncertainties Business GIC's focus on long-term value aims to avoid permanent loss amid intensifying economic changes Opinion No idle punt: Why Singapore called out cyber saboteur UNC3886 by name Asia Cambodia and Thailand are willing to consider ceasefire: Malaysian PM Anwar Asia Deadly Thai-Cambodian dispute puts Asean's relevance on the line Business MAS' measures spark cautious optimism for Singapore stock market revival: Analysts World Trump and Fed chief Powell bicker during tense central bank visit Life Hulk Hogan, who helped turn pro wrestling into a billion-dollar spectacle, dies at 71 The Singapore Mice Development initiative will be launched on July 25 as part of the three-day Singapore Mice Forum that kicked off on July 23. The forum, organised by the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (Saceos), is expected to see more than 1,500 attendees from the industry. Leading Mice companies will be able to engage with over 600 students from 13 institutes of higher learning (IHLs), and mid-career professionals exploring opportunities in the industry as part of this initiative. In a speech at the Singapore Mice Awards at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Mr Tan noted that the global Mice market is projected to double in value, with the Asia-Pacific as one of the fastest growing markets. Singapore is intensifying efforts to attract more Mice visitors, who are estimated to spend twice as much as leisure visitors, and studying the development of a new Mice hub in the downtown area. The new facility is expected to complement and bolster Mice facilities in the vicinity, and will leverage existing and upcoming amenities, including hotels and lifestyle experiences. A total of 16 awards were given out at the Singapore Mice Awards, which celebrated outstanding individuals and organisations in the business events industry. The forum also saw the signing of four agreements on July 23 between partners such as Saceos, IHLs and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), aimed at strengthening the pipeline of talent and enhancing training standards. With the aim of lowering barriers to launch, scale and anchor new and innovative events in the Republic, and cultivate them into impactful international events, STB and Saceos launched BeInspiredSG on July 24. The event incubator and accelerator pilot programme will provide promising local event concepts with mentorship from industry veterans and professional consultancy services.
