SUNDAY IS ADOPT-PETS DAY
Today, 6 Jul 2002

This SUNDAY, four pet-crazy societies are banding together to hold an adoption day in the hope that abandoned dogs, cats and rabbits will be re-homed.

The event, held at Parkway Parade from 11am to 7pm, will see animals from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the newly formed House Rabbit Society of Singapore (HRSS), the Cat Welfare Society (CWS) and Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) up for adoption.

"Every month SPCA receives over 60 unwanted rabbits. Last month it received an unbelievable total of 105 rabbits," said HRSS president Kapil Sharma.

Finding even temporary homes for abandoned animals has posed problems. Volunteers often feel overwhelmed by the numbers which, despite cooperation between the societies, have increased over the years.

But the societies are not short on ideas: Harsher penalties for those who abandon pets, education, stricter laws against indiscriminate breeding and compulsory micro-chipping which will allow authorities to track owners of abandoned pets.

The societies say the number of pets sold here makes it even more difficult to find new homes for abandoned animals.

"Currently there seems to be no limit imposed on the number of animals commercially bred and sold in farms or pet shops. In addition to this, around 6000 dogs are imported annually into Singapore. SPCA plans to address this issue with relevant authorities," said SPCA spokesman Ms Deidre Moss. - Joy Frances