SPCA & review of laws to prevent animal abuse

With increased public awareness of animal welfare issues, the SPCA is seeking public feedback over the next month on this paper, before submitting the final paper to the relevant Ministries for their consideration. Please submit your feedback to lawreview@spca.org.sg by 4 December 2011.

The above is partially quoted from this SPCA page.

The highlighted in red below are some of the key points that SPCA try to push forward. Well, I do wish sincerely the review is successfully translated to harsher law to protect the animals. All the best, SPCA!

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has called for a review of the Animals & Birds Act. It said this has become necessary because of a rise in the number of cases of animal abuse.

There is an average of 82 cases of animal abuse each month.

The recommendation relates to sections 42 and 44 of the Prevention of cruelty to Animals sections of the act. It wants higher fines of up to S$20,000, imprisonment not exceeding two years or both.

This, it said, will serve as a greater deterrent than current penalties.

SPCA also wants duty of care to be stated clearly for persons responsible for or in charge of an animal. A breach of this "duty of care", it said, should be considered an offence.

This, it added, will target pet owners who are negligent in the care of their pets and will also help in cases where intervention is needed before an animal suffers cruelty. It is also recommending that offenders be banned from keeping pets.

SPCA is also calling for a ban on sale of pets to those below the age of 16, except with the knowledge and express consent of their parents.

Public feedback can be given online at www.spca.org.sg/lawreview.html.

From Channel NewsAsia, "SPCA calls for review of laws to prevent animal abuse".