Letting the cat out of the bag. Is it ok to abandon your pet? 

Written by: Mathu KUMAR

 

Many Singaporean pet owners have been abandoning their pets and the numbers have been growing over the past few years. The Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) have reported a total number of 63 pets that have euthanized, after being requested by their owners.

 

In addition, there are up to 250 unwanted or abandoned pets every month.

With the reference to the statistics above, it is evident that pet abandonment is a growing trend in Singapore.

 

Due to the modern, fast paced lifestyle, affluent Singaporeans have cited reasons for abandonment such as “No time to look after them.” However, potential pet owners should consider such factors before adopting or buying pets.

 

In June last year, a Japanese male Chin was found abandoned near Palm Road. The owner trapped it in a plastic bag and dumped it by the side of the road.

 

A passer-by removed it from the plastic bag and passed to Mr Derrick Tan, who is the founder of animal welfare group, Voices For Animals (VFA).

 

Pets, such as dogs and cats are living beings that require a considerable amount of time spent on them and love needs to be provided. Although not a human, taking care of pets is similar to taking care of a baby.

 

According to moneyunder30.com, taking care of a pet, costs up to $1000 in the first year and $500 for the subsequent years. This includes vaccinations, tests, food and other vital elements for the pets’ survival.

 

With the rise in pet abandonment, associations such as Agra-food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) are stepping up on their preventive measures.

 

Starting as early as primary school, AVA provide talks for lower primary students, covering a wide range of topics such as deciding whether to own a pet to general pet care. They also educate students on the consequences of pet abandonments.

 

SPCA has also played its part by advising pet owners who are unable to take care of their pets anymore to ask around with their friends or relatives instead of putting the animals to sleep or neglecting them.

 

They have also advised pet owners to fill in the Rehoming Notice Form, which is found in their official page, if they are not able to find a home for their pets.

 

Through the notice form, potential pet owners will be able to get all the necessary information on the pet before proceeding on to adoption. This scheme will be beneficial for the pets and future pet owners.

 

Under the Animals and Birds Act 2014, anyone who is found guilty of cruelty to animals, including abandonment of any animals, can be imprisoned for up to 18 months, fined up to $15,000, or both.  Thus, do think twice before you decide to abandon your pets.