Latest news with #animaladvocates
Independent Singapore
28-05-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
A nation's silent victims: Rise in animal abuse cases sparks petition for urgent reform in Singapore
SINGAPORE: A petition on is picking up momentum as animal welfare advocates across Singapore raise the alarm: community cats are being harmed, and too little is being done. The plea — now backed by a groundswell of public support — doesn't just call for justice. It demands it. At its heart lies an urgent cry to protect the voiceless, the belief behind which is that behind every case of cruelty or neglect is a pattern that's no longer isolated. The petition reads: 'If stronger enforcement is not implemented, the abuse will not only continue; it may escalate. A lack of accountability sends the message that harming animals is tolerated.' It warns that each delay risks more suffering and urges the government to act now. This comes as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) reports a 12-year high in animal cruelty and welfare cases. In 2024 alone, 961 incidents were confirmed — a stark reminder that silent suffering is unfolding right under our noses. Many of the victims were community pets known to residents, fed daily, and sometimes even named. Some were thrown from HDB blocks. Others were found poisoned, mutilated, or gone without a trace. For those who cared for them, their death was heartbreak — each one a quiet tragedy. Abandonment was the most common form of cruelty, followed by physical abuse. SPCA defines cruelty as the intentional infliction of pain, suffering, or death, while neglect stems from a failure to meet basic needs. 'Protecting the vulnerable should never be optional. It must be urgent,' the petition reiterates. Many of those who signed it are community cat caregivers who, without state support, pay out of pocket for vet care and rescue operations. For them, the emotional toll is growing, matched only by their frustration. Adding to the crisis is a dark and growing trade that too often escapes public attention — Singapore's role in the illegal wildlife pipeline. In 2024, authorities uncovered 42 smuggling cases, the highest in recent memory. Living, breathing creatures are being packed into suitcases with no air, kittens are being drugged and stuffed into modified car boots, and birds are being bartered like collectables over Telegram chats. These animals weren't being rescued. They were being sold with their worth reduced to novelty or profit. NParks and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority have ramped up enforcement with mobile X-rays and DNA testing, but questions remain: If we can mobilise advanced forensics for smuggled wildlife, why are community animals still left exposed? Pet businesses are also under scrutiny. In 2024, SPCA looked into 56 cases involving pet groomers and trainers — people who keep pets trusting them with their animals. Among the most horrid was a case where a corgi, left unattended on a grooming table, fell and tragically died after being choked by its leash. What was meant to be a routine grooming session instead ended in horror. Incidents like this reveal deep cracks in professional accountability, with some errant businesses simply rebranding and reopening, leaving grieving pet owners with no answers — and no justice. The youth demographic is another concern. Fifteen cases of cruelty were committed by minors in 2024, more than double the previous year. SPCA warns that, without intervention, a generation could grow up desensitised to violence. See also Ex-WP MP and PSP member call for universal minimum wage Singapore has tools — from wildlife DNA labs to enforcement units — and laws that provide up to 18 months in jail and a $15,000 fine for first-time animal cruelty. What's missing, activists say, is the will to use them consistently. The petition's message is clear: this is not just about cats. It's about the kind of society Singapore wants to be. Community cats are voiceless — but those who care for them are speaking out. Whether the authorities will listen remains to be seen. Until then, every act of cruelty is more than an isolated incident. It's a national test of our empathy and a call to conscience.
The Independent
23-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
New rules to come into force in all UK zoos for staff and visitors
Zoos across Britain will be subject to new animal welfare regulations, requiring them to provide more spacious enclosures in a bid to end outdated practices. The reforms, announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), mark the first modernisation of zoo standards in over a decade. The new standards aim to enhance the welfare of a wide range of species, from snowy owls and golden eagles to elephants, stingrays, and octopuses. Elephants, in particular, will benefit from significantly larger habitats. The regulations will also prohibit the long-term tethering of birds of prey, a practice criticised by animal welfare advocates. The common practice of allowing visitors to touch fish and cephalopods, such as rays and octopuses, will also be discontinued. Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman hailed the changes as the initial phase of a broader government initiative to implement the "most ambitious welfare reforms in a generation." These reforms signal a commitment to improving the lives of animals in captivity and ensuring their needs are met within zoo environments. Zoos and aquariums will face a two-year timeline to adapt to the changes, which will also require them to improve conservation standards and safety measures when keeping dangerous animals. Baroness Hayman said: 'We are a nation of animal lovers, and our best zoos and aquariums are truly world leaders in setting the standard for how wild animals should be kept. 'Today's long-overdue reforms lay the foundation for an even stronger, even more compassionate future for all zoos and aquariums — and the animals they protect. 'This is the first step as part of our commitment to deliver the most ambitious animal welfare reforms in a generation. 'We're making sure all sectors have the tools they need to thrive, which is vital in our mission to deliver economic growth and make lives better for people across the country under our Plan for Change.' Dr Jo Judge, CEO of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which represents over 130 zoos and aquariums, said its members have been 'working closely' with Defra officials to meet the updated standards. 'The new standards are a significant step up in legal requirements and cement Britain's position as a global leader for zoos and aquariums', she said. 'We are delighted to see them published today, demonstrating government's and the sector's commitment to the highest levels of animal care, and helping empower zoos and aquariums to keep leading the fight for nature.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Greenville Co. ordinance to protect animals passes
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — An ordinance outlining requirements for animal care was passed by Greenville County Council Tuesday night. The amended ordinance ensures animals are identified with an identification tag or microchip, so that stray dogs and cats can be reunited with their owners. Additionally, the ordinance mandates that animal rescues and breeders are register with the county, along with following minimum standards of care for keeping animals. 'We're really excited to make some positive change in Greenville County,' said advocate Barbara Wally. 'I hope that you know none of the breeders, especially the good ones, think we're anti-breeder — that's not what we're getting at.' Many animal advocates attended the meeting. 'We just really ant to see the animal population improve in Greenville County and to be able to be proud of our shelter and proud of our animal community,' she continued. Breeders also attended the meeting, but were not in support of legislation's passage, due to additional business expenses associated with the ordinance. The legislation, in full, can be read below: GVL-CO.-Animal-Control-Ordinance-CLEANDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
