SPCA sees 'alarming increase' in pet abandonment cases

[The_King]

SINGAPORE: There has been an "alarming increase" in cases of pet abandonment in 2023, said the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) on Tuesday (Jan 30) as it released its annual report on animal cruelty and welfare.

SPCA said it attended to abandonment cases involving 285 animals in 2023 - an increase of almost three times compared with the figure of 96 the year before.

Half of the abandoned pets were small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and terrapins.

In a Facebook post, SPCA highlighted cases of 17 guinea pigs left inside two thermal GrabFood bags, as well as hamsters abandoned at a void deck without food or water.

17 guinea pigs were left inside two thermal GrabFood bags. (Photos: SPCA)

Hamsters abandoned without access to food or water. (Photo: SPCA)

 

Cats made up 45 per cent of the abandoned animals seen by SPCA, while dogs comprised 5 per cent.

SPCA executive director Aarthi Sankar put the disparity in the figures down to the lack of mandatory microchipping for cats. She told CNA that this meant irresponsible cat owners could abandon their pets without repercussions. 

"Cats also reproduce at a faster rate than dogs - this increases the chances of accidental breeding when they are left unsterilised," she said.

Ms Sankar also said that 127 cats were abandoned in 2023, and 45 the year before, although the lack of regulations on microchipping means that cat abandonment case numbers "are likely to be underreported".

SPCA's report also showed that the organisation investigated 915 cases involving animal cruelty, welfare and neglect in 2023.

This is a 79 per cent increase compared with the previous year and the highest in 11 years, according to the animal welfare organisation.

Among these cases, 558 were related to welfare and neglect and 137 were abandonment cases.

There were also 30 hoarding cases involving about 480 animals last year, as well as 31 cases of abuse involving pet businesses.

Among the high-profile cases, a dog handler from K9 Connection training centre was charged in court after a video surfaced last July showing a man striking a dog with a metal bowl while it struggled.

There were 30 hoarding cases involving about 480 animals in 2023. (Photo: SPCA)

Under the Animal and Birds Act, those found guilty of animal cruelty can be jailed for up to 18 months, fined up to S$15,000, or both. Repeat offenders can face a jail term of up to three years, a fine of up to S$30,000, or both. They may face stiffer punishment if they are employed in an animal-related business.

SPCA does not have enforcement powers under the Animals and Birds Act, but it refers serious cases to the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) or the police.

Calling on the public to report cases of animal cruelty and abandonment, SPCA said its inspectorate plays a vital role in investigating incidents.

It added: "Although the SPCA does not have the authority to enforce laws, prosecute offenders, or remove animals from their guardians, we play a critical role in the fight against animal cruelty by gathering credible witnesses and evidence, providing guidance on animal welfare issues and providing investigative support."

[The_King]

hope those who abandonment pet, hope your next life is a abandon pet

[coffeenut]

All those COVID pet parents

[Coffee_O]

cos last time covid. cb kia cannot travel cannot go out so all go buy pets. now all the cb kia can go holiday liao then pets not important anymore.

seriously should come up with a law to jail these fuckers. make it same like when you abandon your kids. 

[XianGe]

Me wan the grey meow meow

[The_King]

6 hours ago, XianGe said:

Me wan the grey meow meow

Me can handle 2 meow meow provided food, medical or anything the cat want/need is free