JUNE 9, 2003
Cat lovers hold memorial for 700 culled stray cats

Some teary-eyed, the cat lovers who turned up took turns dropping flowers in a vase at the Oriental Hotel yesterday. -- HOW HWEE YOUNG

The 80-minute event was also to honour those who care for strays

MORE than 70 cat lovers gathered at a five-star hotel yesterday to remember the 700 cats that had been culled recently.

The special 80-minute session, which included song and flower tributes, and a minute's silence for the dead animals, was organised by animal welfare and rescue movement SOS Animals.

Many wept openly, including Mrs Wendy Lee-Ang, 40, who attended the event with her husband, former swimming champion Ang Peng Siong, 40.

Both avid cat lovers share their home with three cats - Joey, Three-spot and Bouncy - and their newborn baby boy.

Mr Ang's voice clogged with emotion when he recalled how Ranger, the family's favourite, had loved to lie on his chest and take naps together.

Ranger the cat died from a chest infection last year.

Said Mr Ang: 'Cats provide companionship and good memories. It pains me and my family to see them being netted. Instead of culling, there should be a long-term plan to reduce the population.

'Sterilisation is the best way.'

In organising the memorial, Ms Sandy Lim, founder of SOS Animals, said she wanted to recognise and honour the efforts of those who have spent years caring for strays and sterilising them.

She said: 'These are ordinary folk who hit the streets every day to feed and rescue the cats. Some have even been verbally abused, so this is to support them.'

So far, the non-profit movement has rescued about 60 stray cats in the past three weeks and a new centre will soon be set up to house them, said Ms Lim.

She added that SOS Animals will also be tendering for a plot of land to set up an animal shelter.

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