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#1
28-Aug-2005, 01:19 AM
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Adoption at SPCA
  YES! We have to put animals to sleep every month - and we wish we didn’t have to. The SPCA took in 10,472 unwanted animals in the 12 months from 1st July 2004 to 30th June 2005. That works out to be around 30 animals each day. Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters form the majority of the animals we receive. We managed to find new homes for 1,000 animals. 739 animals were reunited with their owners (through SPCA’s lost & found service for missing pets) or released when they had recovered from their injuries (such as wild birds). Because cats are not allowed in HDB flats and only small breeds of dogs are permitted, it is difficult for us to re-home many animals. And unfortunately, most potential pet owners prefer to buy a pedigree puppy rather than consider adoption. 8,699 animals were euthanised in that period. That’s 83% of the animals received. We’re often asked, “Why doesn’t the SPCA just keep the animals instead of putting them down?” The SPCA operates out of small, cramped premises. At any one time it can only accommodate 150 to 170 animals. It is simply physically impossible to house the many thousands of animals that are constantly streaming into the SPCA. So that is why we have no choice but to put animals to sleep. We do it with love and care – and more often than not, despair in our hearts. Why does the SPCA receive so many animals? Simple. Because a) many people buy pets on impulse only to dump them when the novelty wears off, b) the unchecked breeding of stray cats and dogs and c) the SPCA is the shelter in Singapore that does not turn away any animal. With so many pet shops and pet farms in Singapore, it’s easy to stroll into one, fall for a cuddly puppy or kitten, or kid yourself into thinking “how difficult can it be to look after a little bunny?” After a couple of months, the kids are bored with the dog, mum is complaining about hair on the furniture, dad thinks the vet bills are too high, etc etc. Then the animal is dumped at the SPCA, and the family says “no time to look after it”. If the animal fits the selection criteria (such as health, age and temperament) and if there’s space, it will be put up for adoption. Once an animal is selected for adoption, it will stay in the shelter until a suitable home is found. There is NO time limit. Some animals find a home after a week or two. Others may wait many months. If you feel you’re ready for a pet, please adopt instead of buying. One of the ways the SPCA can reduce the number of animals euthanised is if more people adopt pets instead of buying them. And if like us, you find euthanasia a dreadful option, here’s how you can help: A pet is a long-term commitment. Please ensure that you, your family or friends don’t get an animal unless you’re willing to take care of it for life. Take your pets to the vet to be sterilised. Sterilised pets are healthier, happier and won’t have unwanted babies. Never, ever abandon your pet. If you really can’t keep it, please find it a new, loving home. Write to the AVA asking them to reinstate the Stray Cat Rehabilitation Scheme, and to the HDB about lifting the ban on cats. Only with concerted action by more people will we see the numbers of unwanted animals decrease. Do visit http://www.spca.org.sg/index.asp for more information. 
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