Monday, April 26, 2010

Number of cats killed last year


Ginger cat, originally uploaded by dawnkua.

I just heard from a very reliable source that the number of cats killed last year went down again. As many of you know, the number dropped from 13000 to 10000. Last year, it went down further to 6000. While that's still a lot of cats, and those deaths are preventable, it does show that progress is being made.

We've talked so often about sterilisation being a medium to long term solution - and I think we're really starting to see the results now. Even friends who aren't cat caregivers have mentioned to me that they're seeing more and more sterilised cat.

So caregivers give yourselves a HUGE pat on the back. There's still a ways to go - but we're getting there.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Dogs at Pasir Ris Farm

This is a very sad story - and the poor dogs involved sound in very poor shape. I am sure at least some of you have been receiving the emails circulating about this.

I can understand why Mr Tan and his friends wanted to get the dogs out of the kennel, especially given what a bad situation the dogs sound to have been found in. It is human nature especially when one cares for animals to try and get them out of a horrible situation. In addition, it does seem as if the AVA had been called in, but that they hadn't done anything earlier on.

The problem though, as Ricky from ASD pointed out, is that it might actually incentivise other breeders who are making a loss or just don't want to continue in the business of breeding any more. In fact, if someone wants to get out of the 'pet breeding 'business', he or she just has to neglect the dogs, bring it to the attention of some kindhearted people who will come and take the dogs off his or her hands. All that, and a cash payout too. True - it may not repay the cost that has been sunk into the 'business', but it sure is one way to minimise losses.

Not only that, the breeder faces no penalties. There is nothing to stop him or her from starting another breeding enterprise down the road - possibly even using the money that he or she has been paid to take the dogs out. The breeder hasn't been shut down at all - this particular venture has been, but that's it.

In the meanwhile, the well-meaning people who have taken the dogs in will have the mammoth task of trying to rehome almost 80 dogs, most of whom will probably not have to find homes because of their ill health. So they're looking at probably having to euthanise most of these animals - and that's something rescuers really shouldn't have to do. It's not rescue if most of the animals end up dead anyway - and the rescuers end up broke and disillusioned. Of course, I hope for the best for the dogs but I am not hopeful.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Kittehroulette

Instead of Chat Roulette, now we have Kittehroulette.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Skating for cats

Thanks to Aminah for sending this in - a couple of young people decided to longboard around Singapore to raise awareness and funds for the cats. Apparently they didn't quite finish - but will do so.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Toilet training

If you've ever wanted to toilet train your cat, this might be of interest to you.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Google translation



I wish this WAS for real :)