Latest news with #responsiblepetownership
Malay Mail
12-07-2025
- Malay Mail
Home minister Shanmugam says Singapore ‘cannot tolerate cruelty' as cat abuse cases hit 12-year high
SINGAPORE, July 12 — Singapore must take a firm stance against animal cruelty while educating the public on responsible pet ownership, the republic's Home Minister K Shanmugam reportedly said. Responding to a series of high-profile community cat deaths earlier this year, CNA reported Shanmugam reaffirming the government's zero-tolerance approach towards those who harm animals. 'We cannot tolerate cruelty ... We have to take a strong stand, and we cannot let perpetrators go free,' Shanmudam, who is also the Singapore coordinating minister for national security. He referenced a recent case where a man convicted of killing cats by throwing them from Housing Board blocks had his jail term doubled on appeal. However, Shanmugam cautioned against over-criminalisation, stressing the importance of targeted enforcement while ensuring that those who make mistakes without cruel intent are educated. 'What you want is to go after the people with malice – who go out to be cruel to animals, who think that it's a sport, who think that it's a game,' he said. According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Singapore recorded 961 cases of animal cruelty and welfare concerns in 2024 — the highest in 12 years. Most cases involved cats. Under existing laws, first-time offenders face up to 18 months in jail, fines of up to S$15,000, or both. Repeat offenders may be jailed for up to three years and fined S$30,000. Legislation is being reviewed to further raise penalties and expand enforcement powers. Only 6 per cent of reported animal abuse cases were substantiated between 2019 and 2024, NParks said. Many lacked sufficient information for enforcement, although egregious offenders were prosecuted. Shanmugam also addressed the role of mental illness in abuse cases, stating that psychological conditions should not be used to excuse cruelty. 'If the person is a threat, that threat has to be removed, usually by removing that person from society,' he added. 'Unless the experts come out and say a certain type of treatment would help, and the person doesn't need to be incarcerated.'
CNA
10-07-2025
- CNA
Go after those who see animal cruelty as a 'sport', but educate the rest: Shanmugam
SINGAPORE: Singapore must take a firm stand against those who deliberately harm animals, while educating the public on responsible pet ownership, said Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam. Reflecting on a spate of high-profile community cat deaths earlier this year – including four incidents in Yishun, Punggol and Tampines – Mr Shanmugam reiterated the government's zero-tolerance approach to animal cruelty. There is "no question" about the government's position on this, he told CNA in an interview on Tuesday (Jul 8). Investigations by the National Parks Board (NParks) found that three of the deaths were likely caused by vehicle accidents, with no evidence of deliberate acts of cruelty. Still, public concern over the incidents prompted Mr Shanmugam, also the MP for Yishun, to speak out in a Facebook post at the time, stating: "This is not who we are as a people." Just this week, a man convicted of killing cats by throwing them from Housing Board blocks had his jail term doubled after the prosecution appealed. "We cannot tolerate cruelty," said Mr Shanmugam, who is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security. "We have to take a strong stand, and we cannot let perpetrators go free." At the same time, he cautioned against over-criminalisation. There will always be a minority who break the law, he said, emphasising the need for targeted enforcement. "What you want is to go after the people with malice – who go out to be cruel to animals, who think that it's a sport, who think that it's a game," Mr Shanmugam said. "These animals don't have a voice, and it's incumbent … upon us to make sure that they are protected." The majority of people in Singapore are law-abiding and most pet owners are "well-meaning", Mr Shanmugam said. For those who make mistakes without cruel intent, a sensible approach must be taken, where levels of culpability and criminality of offences are assessed, he added. Such people should be guided through education to ensure they know how to look after their pets, he said. "Otherwise you will be charging a lot of people in court. You also don't want that." ONLY 6% OF ABUSE CASES SUBSTANTIATED In 2024, Singapore recorded 961 cases of animal cruelty and welfare concerns – the highest in 12 years – according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The cases involved 2,190 animals, mostly cats. Under current law, those found guilty of cruelty to animals may face up to 18 months' jail, fines up to S$15,000 (US$11,700), or both. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties of up to three years' jail and S$30,000 in fines. First-time offenders who fail in their duty of care can be fined up to S$10,000 or jailed for up to a year. Legislation is under review to raise penalties further – including disqualification orders – and strengthen enforcement powers like arrest and seizure. The penalties send a clear message that such conduct is not tolerated, said Mr Shanmugam. But he also acknowledged the challenge law enforcement agencies face in finding the culprits due to the absence of cameras and witnesses, which leads to fewer cases being heard in court. From 2019 to 2024, NParks received an average of 1,200 reports of animal cruelty and welfare cases annually, but only about 6 per cent were substantiated. Egregious cases were prosecuted in court, while other offenders received warning letters or composition fines. Mr Shanmugam also addressed the role of mental illness in animal abuse. While acknowledging that psychological conditions can sometimes be a factor, he stressed that cruelty should never be excused. "Certainly it's not a way to suggest that because the person has mental health issues, you should leave him alone. Then he or she will continue doing it to more animals, which we should not tolerate," he said. "If the person is a threat, that threat has to be removed, usually by removing that person from society," he added. "Unless the experts come out and say a certain type of treatment would help, and the person doesn't need to be incarcerated." COLLABORATION WITH ANIMAL WELFARE GROUPS The minister also highlighted the importance of working with animal welfare groups. He cited the example of the Chong Pang Animal Welfare Forum, set up after he took office in 2011 and later renamed the Nee Soon Public Forum on Animal Welfare Policies. It provided a platform for public feedback, which fed into 24 legislative recommendations – all accepted by the government and many adopted into the Animals and Birds Act. Mr Shanmugam credited former MP Louis Ng, founder of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES), for his role in shaping policy. With Mr Ng returning to the non-profit sector, Ms Lee Hui Ying, a long-time volunteer and new Nee Soon MP, will now take on that responsibility. Not all proposals from welfare groups can be adopted, Mr Shanmugam said. But overall, it's a "cooperative effort" between the groups and the government, he said. Ultimately, Mr Shanmugam added, the government's goal is to ensure that laws stay effective and relevant.
News.com.au
09-07-2025
- News.com.au
‘Entitled': Damning photo shows what's wrong with dog owners
An Aussie has had enough of an anonymous dog owner who repeatedly leaves their pet's droppings on the footpath outside their house. Taking to Reddit, the resident of a quiet suburban lane vented about the unpleasant and recurring problem and shared how they are trying to curb it. 'Our street is only several houses long. They're probably taking their dog to poop every morning and leaving the sh*t on the sidewalk every time,' the author explained. They then posted a photo showing just how bad the issue has become. There appears to be at least eight separate incidents, spaced along the path, making it clear this isn't a one-off occurrence. Neighbour's fed up response The poster decided to write a blunt message in chalk across the footpath that said: 'BAG YOUR DOG SH*T,' hoping the public shaming would finally make the offending owner do the right thing. While they admitted they 'felt stupid' retaliating in this way, they were fed up, especially considering 'you can get 50 bags for $2 at the shops'. 'I don't want to pick up your dog's faeces every other day,' they ranted, adding that chalk wasn't their preferred solution. 'Believe me, if I knew who it was, I'd be shovelling it into a bucket for a few weeks and ditching it on their driveway.' Commenters weigh in The post was flooded with hundreds of people chiming in to share similar experiences and how they dealt with it. One person summed up the sense of helplessness many people feel towards these situations. 'We had people having their dogs constantly do this on the footpath next to our side gate,' they said. 'Told the council and they did nothing. We got cameras and put up a sign telling them to stop doing it and council comes by the next morning and rips our sign and poster out'. Others also tried taking the matter into their own hands. 'Security cameras and posted them on the local noticeboard page,' said one. Another shared a recipe for a DIY dog repellent, while others said they have physically left the excrement in people's letterboxes before. Others were simply horrified by the sight. 'Wow, just saw the second picture. Too far,' said one. 'So disgusting and frustrating,' someone else empathised. 'Some, not all, dog owners are the most entitled pieces of sh*t in society,' another lamented. Fines for not picking up after your dog If you get caught not picking up after your dog in Australia, you could be hit with some hefty fines, though the amount depends on where you live and which council you fall under. In New South Wales, an on-the-spot fine for failing to remove your dog's poo can start at $275, but if it goes to court, you could face up to $880. In Queensland, the fine can reach up to $333, and in Victoria, penalties range from $100 to $500. Impacts of dog waste Australia has some of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, which increased during Covid – with almost half of all households owning dogs – meaning issues like this are only going to rise. While abandoned dog faeces are an annoyance, they can also have a significant impact on local environments and wildlife. Leaving dog waste uncollected can introduce harmful parasites and bacteria into the environment, posing risks to other animals. If the waste gets into waterways, it can act as fertiliser in aquatic ecosystems, leading to excessive algae growth that harms aquatic life. A report by the CSIRO this year found that even when it's not directly eaten, dog faeces can act as scent markers, signalling the presence of predators. This can cause native mammals and birds to avoid otherwise suitable habitats, reducing biodiversity and disrupting breeding and feeding patterns.
CTV News
26-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Calgary Humane Society expanding affordable clinics this summer
Ashlyn Prediger and Sharon Manly, take the pulse of Dollar, a Nova Scotia Duck Toller, at a pet first aid class held at the Calgary Humane Society in Calgary on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley The Calgary Humane Society will be expanding its affordable clinics this summer to help more families keep their pets healthy. The humane society offers spay/neuter clinics once a month and vaccination clinics quarterly for those who make less than $57, 909 annually. 'Community clinics are designed to break down financial barriers and keep pets with the families who love them,' said spokesperson Anna-Lee Fitzsimmons. The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App 'By offering no-cost spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations and wellness exams to low-income households, these clinics promote responsible pet ownership, reduce overpopulation and help prevent surrender due to unaffordable vet care.' Fitzsimmons says 76 per cent of all dog applications for spay and neuter are large breeds. 'We believe that the surge in demand for dogs during COVID has led to a high number of unfixed animals in the community,' she said. 'We're recruiting applicants, both clients and clinics, to help these services expand.' Being privately funded, the humane society is always accepting donations, with Fitzsimmons saying they can only offer these clinics with the support of donors. 'Come July and August, when we host our city-wide spay and neuter drive, we will have a specific campaign with a matching donor we will be asking supporters to contribute too,' she said. If you can provide proof of income, less than $57,909/per year and you own an animal between two months and six years of age that is not intended for sale and healthy, you can apply here. During the wellness and vaccine clinic, a core combination vaccination will be given to each animal, but owners will need to schedule and pay for a booster two weeks later. This vaccine does not include a rabies vaccination, nor does the spay and neuter clinic when a core combination vaccination will be given upon recovery from anesthesia. 'Rooted in compassion and prevention, the clinics not only support animal welfare but also strengthen public health, reduce strain on local shelters and build more resilient, connected communities,' Fitzsimmons said.
Malay Mail
25-05-2025
- Malay Mail
As Kuching fights rabies, mayor reminds advocates ‘I totally get your love for animals, but human lives are equally precious'
Kuching mayor tells animals lovers to 'love and protect' them, but follow law on stray control KUCHING, May 25 — Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng has appealed to animal lovers, both individuals and organisations, to comply with existing legal provisions when addressing issues related to stray dogs. He emphasised that animal lovers should not interfere with enforcement officers carrying out their duties. 'Do abide by our laws and do not get in the way of our enforcement. This is to help bring down the risk of rabies infections so as to ensure the safety of all,' he said during his Facebook live session 'Shall WEE Talk' yesterday. Wee shared a recent incident where Kuching South City Council (MBKS) enforcement officers responded to a public complaint about a stray dog in a residential area. However, when the MBKS team arrived at the site and prepared to take the necessary action, a group of individuals intervened, preventing enforcement officers from carrying out their duties. '(As a result,) our enforcement team had little choice but to leave without taking any action,' he said. Wee reiterated the importance of responsible pet ownership, reminding pet owners to keep their dogs within their resident compounds and not allow them road freely. 'If you stand to protect and love animals, you of all people should comply with the laws. If you intend to take good care of animals, you should find them a proper place rather than allowing them to roam freely, which may cause anxiety to the community,' he said. Wee said he could understand the need to protect stray animals but emphasised the city council's obligation to safeguard the public from potential risks. Wee admitted to facing a dilemma – if enforcement officers did not take action, complainants would fear for their safety, but when measures were enforced, certain individuals would step forward to obstruct the process. 'I have nothing against animal protection. What I do believe is that these animals should be properly kept at home or a designated place.' He further emphasised that the authorities act with empathy when addressing rabies-related issues, noting that organising mass anti-rabies vaccination campaigns is one such initiative aimed at reaching out to the community, particularly pet owners. Wee regretted that rabies cases persist despite continuous efforts to contain the deadly disease. 'I totally get your love for animals. We all love animals. However, human lives are equally precious.' Over the past week, Wee noted that two rabies cases had been reported near SJK(C) Batu Kawa and a retail outlet in Mile 10, both involving stray dogs. He urged the community to remain vigilant with the Gawai festive season approaching. 'Be more alert when you're hanging out and pay attention to your environment. Public safety and welfare are our utmost concern,' he said. — The Borneo Post
