A BIANNUALPUBLICATION

OF THE SPCA SINGAPOREMICA (P) 041/02/2010

August 2010

Patroness - Lady Y.P. McNeiceSPCA Committee 2009 / 2010• Chairman - Mary Soo Poh Hua• Vice - Chairman - Carla Barker• Hon. Secretary - Amanda Copping• Hon. Treasurer - Nicola Shaw

Committee Members• Frances C.N. Cheang• Chin Shou King• Corinne Fong• Mahita Geekie

• Dinesh Pasrasurum• Tan Tok Jin

SPCA FUN RUN 2010

It was an early start for volunteers and staff helping out at the SPCA Fun Run, held on Sunday 27 June. By 5.45 am, we had started arriving at the car park area of MacRitchie Reservoir to unload prizes, water and other important items for the event. A full moon shone brightly overhead providing more light than usual, and relief was expressed that we did not wake up to thunderstorms as had been forecast for the day. Marshalls were shown the route and took up their positions, as participants would soon be arriving. Photographers and our MC Michelle walked to the starting point across the reservoir and prepared themselves for the start of the run. One, two, three, GO! The whistle (blown by the SPCA’s Executive Officer, Deirdre Moss) marked the start of the Fun Run. It was 7am and the contestants were off. Out of the 525 registered participants, 333 took part.

Omnicom Media Group donated the top prize (an HP Envy 15 notebook computer) and CEO Barry Cupples joined in the Fun Run and kindly officiated in presenting the prize to the grand winner, Widi Susanto. The SPCA’s Chairman, Mary Soo, did the honours in presenting the remainder of the prizes in the men’s, women’s and youth categories. Two of our youngest participants – around six years old – were delighted to each receive a Build-A-Bear ‘Jonas Bear’. Luck was on our side, as the weather had changed by the end of the prize-giving ceremony (and lucky draw), which had been brought forward due to threatening rain clouds. As soon as we had finished, the rain came down. We raised over $15,000 (nett), and the funds will go towards our animal welfare services. It was a great morning (in spite of the rain at the end), with fun runners, volunteers and staff coming together to do their bit.

• AwesomeBlossom• BigOCafé&Restaurant• Bimba&Lola• BodyWellnessPteLtd• Build-A-BearWorkshop• DigiLab• ExpatLivingPublicationsPteLtd• FairmontSingaporeandSwissotelTheStamford• FairPrice(NTUC)Foundation• Florence-ArtRetailCards• KC&WatsonPteLtd• KeppelOffshore&Marine

• MemoryofLove• NirwanaGardens• OmnicomMediaGroup• PantryMagicProQualityKitchenTools• PassionHairSalon• PetLoversCentrePteLtd• PetsMagazineSingapore• SPHMagazinesPteLtd• SundancePetioLLP• TheGrandHyattSingapore• ThePeepshowMachine• TrueYoga

The SPCA sincerely thanks the following for helping make our Fun Run a success:

Volunteers from:• KeppelOffshore&Marine• SPCA• YoungNTUC

MC:• MichelleLeHerissier

SPCA Fun Run T-shirt design;• RichardCopping

Photographers:• FrankieLee• LimSiewKoon• LawrenceTeo

To view our pictures, visit www.spca.org.sg/funrun.html.

Here are just a few of the many cases that have been reported to the SPCA by members of the public in recent months. The SPCA thanks the public for their care and vigilance in such cases.

ANIMAL ABUSE

Kittens found abandoned and injured

On Saturday 31 July, a box with three kittens inside was found at the void deck of Blk 236 Serangoon Ave 2. The caller had heard a loud bang prior to finding the box. It was suspected it had been thrown from a height. Our SPCA vet examined the kittens and one of them was found with severe paralysis and cervical lesion, and had to be euthanased as it was suffering and in severe pain. The black kitten sustained a fractured leg and tail, and suspected lumbar disc problem. The injuries sustained by the kittens were consistent with trauma. The tabby appeared to be healthy.

A $2,200 reward was offered ($1,000 each by SPCA and Cat Welfare Society and $200 from an anonymous donor) for information leading to the identity of the owners. Flyers were also distributed in the area where the kittens were found in addition to spreading the information via our Facebook Fan Page and website.

Red-eared Sliders in poor living condition

These four Red-eared Sliders were being kept in extremely poor conditions. The animals were eventually surrendered to the SPCA and rehomed.

Dogs in carsThis miniature schnauzer was spotted in a car with very little ventilation. The vehicle was parked in a multi-storey car park and the area was very hot and stuffy. The dog was inside for nearly two hours. When the SPCA’s Inspector arrived, the dog appeared weak and was panting. The owner eventually returned and was informed about the dangers of leaving a dog inside a car with poor ventilation – this can lead to heatstroke and even death. For more information on heatstroke, visit www.spca.org.sg/dogs.html#12.

Neglected rabbitThis rabbit was found in very poor condition. It had an infected eye and was nibbling on a piece of stale bread in a cage outside an apartment. Following our visit, the case was referred to the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) for further action. The AVA advised the owners to take the neglected animal to a vet but, sadly, the rabbit died shortly after treatment. It was obvious that the rabbit had suffered for a number of months. The owner was issued with a compound fine.

Huskies tied upTwo Siberian Huskies were spotted tied up in the corridor of a private apartment. They were on short leashes, with no water and insufficient shade. When the SPCA visited, the owner was not home and did not respond to our message asking him/her to call us. The case is being investigated by the AVA.

Chihuahua suspected to be abandonedThe Chihuahua was another suspected victim of abandonment. She was brought to the SPCA in early May by a lady who had found her at the void deck of Blk 767 Bedok Reservoir View. The SPCA launched an appeal to try and find the owners, without success. A veterinary examination revealed that the dog was emaciated and markedly dehydrated. Her gums were very pale and blood pressure was poor. Hairless patches were present all over her body and pressure sores were present on the hips and back legs. Neurological signs were consistent with spinal injury and she was euthanased to prevent further suffering.

Happy ending for Tango the JRT

Tango the Jack Russell terrier was a sorry sight when our Inspector, Jaime, first laid eyes on him. He was found at Blk 842G Tampines Street 82 at the end of June. A probable victim of abandonment, he was understandably frightened and elusive. With the help of concerned residents and some careful coaxing, he was gently carried back to the SPCA’s vehicle and transported back to the SPCA. A veterinary check-up revealed severe demodex mange. An appeal went out on our Facebook Fan Page to find him foster parents who could shower him with care and attention whilst treating him for the skin condition. An appeal for witnesses to the cruel act of abandonment was also publicised, but to date no light has been shed on the matter. We sincerely thank his new owner Mr Tan who responded to our call, and the good news is that he will be adopting Tango. A visit by him and his mum to the SPCA to collect Tango was eagerly welcomed by our staff and we will be keeping in touch to see how his treatment progresses. Stay tuned!

Dog-beating video sparks outcry

On Sunday night, 11 July, the SPCA received a report about a video on YouTube that showed a woman beating a dog. The SPCA staff who later viewed the footage were deeply shocked and saddened. There was no doubt that we needed to act fast and treat this with the utmost urgency.

On Monday morning the case was referred to the AVA for further investigation, as the identity of the person/s in the video was unknown and needed to be traced. Meanwhile, the video was posted on the SPCA’s Facebook Fan Page to appeal for information that could lead to the identity of the woman in the video. The press were also contacted to draw attention to the case. As a result of our Facebook posting, we received an anonymous tip-off. The SPCA followed up the lead and passed the information to the AVA. On Tuesday afternoon, the owner of the dog called the SPCA and was put in touch with the AVA, which is the department authorised to act in cruelty cases under the Animals & Birds Act. The SPCA appealed to the AVA to take firm action against the woman in the video under Section 42 of the Animals and Birds Act, for repeatedly terrorising the dog.

Hundreds of people expressed their outrage on the SPCA’s Facebook Fan Page, and more expressed their frustration in emails, asking why the dog, ‘Butters’, had not been removed from the owner by either the SPCA or the AVA. The SPCA explained in a statement via Facebook and its website that only the AVA has enforcement powers to take action in cases of cruelty under the Animals & Birds Act.

An online petition was set up by concerned members of the public, who requested that the SPCA submit it to the AVA, which we did on 20 July. We thank all those individuals for making a stand against animal abuse, whether it was on Facebook or through writing to the SPCA and the AVA.

The outcome of the case was announced by AVA in the media on Thursday, 22 July – the owners were given a stern warning on the grounds that AVA was satisfied that the owners had no ill intentions to hurt their pet dog while trying to discipline it. The SPCA was extremely disappointed with the outcome and appealed to the AVA for a review of its decision. AVA turned down our appeal, along with our request for SPCA to be authorised to carry out follow up visits to check up on Butters.

In April this year, a group of rescuers banded together to buy 85 breeding dogs from a puppy mill in Pasir Ris Farmway to save them from a life of misery. In doing so, they exposed the poor conditions at the mill. Many of the dogs were sick and in generally poor condition. Tick fever, anaemia, heartworm and skin problems were common. Another case of poor conditions in a puppy mill in Seletar Farmway surfaced in July. Investigations revealed that puppies were being kept in rusty cages with improper flooring, algae were seen in a water bowl and some dogs had inadequate shelter. These two cases are now under investigation by AVA.

In July, registered animal welfare groups – Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES), Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD), Cat Welfare Society (CWS) and House Rabbit Society of Singapore (HRSS) met up with AVA officials to present a joint proposal for improving the standards and conditions for dog breeding facilities in Singapore. A press release was later issued by the groups (and supported by Noah’s Ark Cares and Animal Lovers’ League).

In June, SPCA Inspectors visited the new Dolphin Lagoon, relocated within Sentosa’s Underwater World. The new pool is no longer in a ‘natural’ setting - instead, it is now a concrete swimming pool. Three adult Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins were in the main pool and two were seen in the holding pool located by the side. Both the main pool and the holding pools were observed to be too small for housing the dolphins. The SPCA has written to the Underwater World management to voice our concerns on the space issue as well as reiterate our stand against performing animals.

Animal Welfare Groups seek improvements in puppy mill standards

Pink Dolphins at Underwater World Sentosa

The SPCA’s Education Team, with the wonderful support of Young NTUC, held a very successful dog-care seminar on Tuesday, 22 June at the NTUC Centre. Our three speakers, Deirdre Moss (Executive Officer, SPCA), Dr Paul McCutcheon (Author of The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats) and Kang Nee (Animal Behaviourist and Certified Dog Trainer) shared with the 80 participants about general care and responsible dog ownership, effective communication with your dog using positive reinforcement and how applying the holistic approach can benefit pets. If you would like to be kept in the loop about future seminars, please email updates@spca.org.sg.

Your Dog and You - Dog care seminar

photo Caption

One of our long-serving staff members, V. Mohan (Shelter Supervisor), celebrated 20 years of working with the SPCA on Tuesday, 29 June. His 20th anniversary was marked with a staff lunch on our premises. Chairman Mary Soo presented him with his long-service award. It was a very happy occasion, which was celebrated with a special doggy-shaped cake following a thank-you speech by Mohan.

We would like to thank all of you who kindly supported this year’s Furry Friends Fund. We are delighted to announce that $12,587.35 was raised. We would like to thank our kind sponsor Pantry Magic, Holland Village for once again covering the costs of the tins, printing of tin labels and fliers and to our volunteer Monica Sionosa for designing the flier and tin label. The funds raised will go towards SPCA’s animal welfare services. We look forward to your kind participation in our 2011 Furry Friends Fund project

Congratulations Mohan!

Furry Friends Fund

The SPCA would like to thank the following for their kind contributions:

• AnnaPricefordonating$2,000beingproceedsfromthesaleofcardsfeaturingphotographsof her kittens, which were rescued strays.

• Medialink Printing Services Pte Ltd, Mega Graphic Studio, Pioneer Multilingual Pte Ltd fortheir kind sponsorship of the SPCA Interactive Video Campaign – ‘Dogs are fun. Adopt one today’, and Y & R Singapore for donating the creative concept.

• MsMahMingChuenfordonatinginmemoryofherbelovedcat,‘Merci’.

• Ms.OngShuChun fordonating incelebrationofherpet rabbit,Bella’soneyearadoptionanniversary.

11 December is the date for our island-wide fundraising event, Flag Day. If you are able to help with taking a tin to collect donations please call 62875355 daily (8am to 5pm) to register or email with your contact number to educationpr@spca.org.sg.

The SPCA acknowledges a further donation from the Estate of William Mitchell Hunter Caldwell. We are very grateful to the late Mr. Caldwell for bequeathing this

gift for the benefit of animal welfare.

Acknowledgements

SPCA Flag Day

SPCA New TeesCheck out our new T-shirts! They are on sale now and are available from the SPCA and at our upcoming sales events (www.spca.org.sg/salesvenues.html).

YOUTHPet therapy sessions at St Gerard’s International School and Pathlight School’s Autism Resource CentreFor children with special needs, the opportunity to interact with a dog, cat, or other furry friends can havte a very positive impact on their quality of life. Children are often extremely trusting and can easily achieve a level of intimacy with animals. This special bond contributes to pets’ effectiveness as co-therapists.

The SPCA Education Team took some of our animals to St Gerard’s International School and the Autism Resource Centre (ARC) of Pathlight School in May and June. We spent an hour at each school and were able to reach out to over 60 children. The youngsters had the opportunity to meet and pat a dog, cat, rabbit and hamster – something most of them have never had a chance to do.

We were very touched by the experience – the students’ faces said it all whenever they smiled or broke into laughter as they petted the animals. We are looking forward to our next session at the ARC of Pathlight School in August.

On 7 June, the Education Team organised an afternoon camp with the theme ‘Cats R Purrfect’ for our youth supporters. Participants learnt about what it takes to be a great cat owner through talks, fun and games. What made the day-camp even more meaningful and special was a chance for our young parsticipants to meet and spend some time with the cats in the shelter. A big thank you goes to Victoria Junior College’s Pet and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) for doing an amazing job in helping us organise the camp. If you are between seven and 16 years of age and would like to be kept in the loop about such activities, please email educationpr@spca.org.sg.

Cats R Purrfect – June holiday day-camp

Most people love animals, and the SPCA is keen to foster this natural affection for our furry friends through the Animal Hero Project.

The aim of the Project is to encourage students to share their knowledge of animals and animal care with their peers. Students who spread the ‘be kind to animals’ message are rewarded with a certificate and CIP hours, thereby promoting the sharing of knowledge and encouraging students to teach each other about respect for animals.

There are six simple steps to becoming an Animal Hero:

• InformusofyourinterestinparticipatingintheAnimalHeroproject.• Inviteustogiveatalkatyourschoolduringassembly/groupgatherings.• StudentsreceiveablankAnimalHerocard.• Studentssharewhattheyhavelearntwiththeirfamiliesandneighboursandcompleteasquareon

the card for each person they talk to.• Studentspassthecompletedcardbacktotheirteacherwithinonemonth.• TheyreceiveanAnimalHerocertificateandCIPhoursfromtheSPCA.

This project is wholly subsidised by our generous sponsor, Deutsche Bank, so neither school nor students need to pay to participate.

Whether you’re a student or a teacher, drop us an email at educationpr@spca.org.sg to express your interest now!

Join our Facebook Fan Page!

For the latest SPCA news and updates, join us as a fan on our Facebook Fan Page! With a growing fan base of more than 10,000, you really don’t want to be left out. We bring you the latest scoops about our rescue efforts, animal cruelty cases, adoption updates, and lots more. If you have a Facebook account, simply search for the ‘SPCA Singapore’ and click on ‘like’. Signing up for your Facebook account is as easy as one, two, three – log on to www.facebook.com now!

Sign up for the Animal Hero Project

Thank you – Students who raised funds for the SPCA!A huge thank you goes to students who have helped raise funds for the SPCA, and have created awareness about the animal welfare cause.

It would not be possible for the SPCA to continue its work if the public did not support us. We have been inundated with queries from students about how they can help raise funds and/or create awareness. From selling cookies to our SPCA products, from talks to visits to exhibitions, you have helped us tremendously in our efforts to be the voice of the voiceless – the animals.

We would like to thank and acknowledge Tanglin Trust School, Xinmin Secondary School, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and the many other schools for their significant contributions.