As the Executive Director of Singapore's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Deirdre Moss aims to inspire fellow animal lovers as she educates and campaigns for the rights of abandoned pets and abused animals.
TF: How did your love for animals become a career?
DM: As a child I had no fear of animals and was once bitten by a dog and kicked by a horse! But my career in animal welfare came about totally by chance. I started volunteering with the SPCA in 1983 and I liked it so much I was soon helping out six days a week. Suddenly I had a purpose in life and my volunteer work led to a full-time position. I've since come to regard my profession as my true vocation in life. Unfortunately as I'm so busy at work I don't have any pets of my own. It wouldn't be fair, as I'm hardly at home.
TF: What's the role of the SPCA?
DM: Since the 1800s, the Singapore SPCA has evolved through the dedication and commitment of its volunteers and early-day pioneers. In spite of increasing challenges, such as lack of awareness of animal welfare issues and funding, dedicated animal lovers persist in being a voice for those who cannot speak.
The two main objectives of the SPCA are to promote kindness and prevent cruelty to animals and birds. In line with our objectives we carry out various animal welfare services:
Cruelty investigations 70 to 80 cases investigated each month.
Emergency rescue for injured or distressed animals. In 2010 we attended to 3,000 emergencies.
Education programmes for schools and organisations. We also host group visits, give talks at libraries and events and organise a World Animal Day event on October 4 each year.
Sterilisation programmes In 2010 we distributed more than 1,800 vouchers, enabling caregivers to have stray animals sterilised at a participating veterinary practice, with SPCA footing the bill. More information about this programme and how to apply for a voucher can be found at www.spca.org.sg.
TF: What are the current animal rights issues in Singapore?
DM: We're campaigning with other animal welfare groups to speak up against poor conditions in local puppy mills. We also want to encourage people to adopt a dog, rather than buy one. To learn more and find out how you can help, visit http://sgpuppies.com.
The SPCA also takes a strong stance against the importation of wild-caught dolphins for Resorts World Sentosa. To read our views, visit the Letters to the Press page, under Animal Welfare Issues at www.spca.org.sg.
We also take in around 90 lost dogs every month, so I'd like to remind dog owners to be careful when walking their dogs. Always have your animal microchipped for identification purposes, in the event they go missing. And always walk your dog on a leash for their safety. In fact, in Singapore it's a legal requirement to have your dog under control at all times when in public. Also, clip a nametag to your pet's collar which also shows your telephone number, that way we can trace you fast. Unfortunately many of the lost dogs we receive are found not wearing collars and less than half are claimed by their owners, even following advertisements in the press.
TF: How can readers support the SPCA's efforts?
DM: Each of us can spread the message of responsible pet ownership. A pet is for life and a decision to get one should be carefully considered by all the family. The main reason people give their pet away is because they realise they have no time to look after the new addition. As a result, the SPCA receives many unwanted pets each month - up to 300 dogs, hamsters, rabbits and cats. This is a sad reflection of too many pets purchased on impulse, or for the wrong reasons.
Always report any incident of animal cruelty you witness to the SPCA. We don't have enforcement powers to take action, but we do advise owners how they can improve the health and living conditions of their pets. Most reports of alleged abuse concern dogs tied up, or pets kept in unsuitable conditions. If there's no improvement or cooperation from the owners, we then refer the case to the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority, which regulates the Animals and Birds Act - or to the police. If you witness an extreme act of cruelty toward an animal, make a police report immediately and inform the SPCA. You may then be required to testify in court.
If you come across an injured animal - either domestic or native - call us on 6287 5355 (ext 9). Our rescue service operates 24 hours a day.
If we can reduce the incidences of animal cruelty by educating and empowering the public to speak up and report, and inspire young people who are passionate about animals to think about a career in animal welfare, I'll be happy.
Adopt, rescue, donate & volunteer
Tel: 6287 5355, www.spca.org.sg
Sianne Dixon-Hall, a New Zealander, has lived in Singapore for nine years and adopted cheeky Roxy from the SPCA one year ago.
"There are so many animals at the SPCA who need loving homes. We believe the pet trade is responsible for the surplus and hardship of many animals, so visiting a pet shop wasn't even an option for us. Roxy - previously named Juliet - was a one-year old stray 'Kampong' cat when we adopted her from the SPCA. They had surgically removed a string of beads someone had cruelly pierced through her shoulder and the SPCA also tried, unsuccessfully, to find her abuser.
When we first saw Roxy her scar was still healing and she was underweight, but she was beautiful, with gorgeous eyes. She was also very relaxed and trusting, even after all she'd been through. We have young children and a cat was the perfect choice of pet, as Roxy can look after herself. She's become a lot more affectionate and trusting. She even lets the boys take her for rides on the swing! She has a cheeky nature and has become a lot more opinionated and talkative.
Roxy has been such a wonderful addition to our household, but anyone considering welcoming a pet should be prepared for the lifelong commitment. And in the beginning, it's important to offer your pet lots of affection, spend time together, give them their own special place, set boundaries and practice patience as you get to know one another."
Posted Mar 2011
