Singapore Animal Welfare Symposium and Public Forum on Animal Welfare Policies
Session on Humane Domestic Animal Management.
Chaired by Mr. Ong Say Lin, President, NUS PEACE.
- Missed the first two talks on:1. Community Dog Management - Mr. Ricky Yeo, President, ASD.
2. Getting to The Heart of The Stray Cat Issue - Ms. Veron Lau, Vice-President, CWS.
- ShareAttending “Puppy Mill and Animal Welfare Legislation Change” by Ms. Selina Sebastian #ACRESsymposium
- SharePuppy mill campaign was launched in October 2010 #ACRESsymposium
- Share2 undercover surveys done in 2010 & 2011 - lack of licensing and pet care advisory #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAlleged animal cruelty reports increased by 116% over the last decade #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMs Betty Tan now addressing the rabbit problems of Singapore #ACRESsymposium
- ShareUp to 80% of cases ACRES receive are related to pet neglect. #ACRESsymposium
- ShareRabbits are easily the 3rd most popular pet choice (after cats & dogs) #ACRESsymposium
- ShareHouse Rabbit Society of Singapore was set up in April 2002 to address the startling number of rabbits abandoned/mistreated #ACRESsymposium
- ShareProblem 1: Inadequate control over the sale of rabbits & easy access to obtain one #ACRESsymposium
- ShareProblem 2: Animal abuse in the form of neglect #ACRESsymposium
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Panellists: Mr. Mohan Div, Treasurer, ALL; Mr. Ricky Yeo, President, ASD; Dr. Lou Ek Hee, Assistant Director, Animal Welfare Section, AVA; Ms. Veron Lau, Vice-President, CWS; Ms. Betty Tan, Vice-President, HRSS; Mr. Cohen Ng, Director, Mutts and Mittens Foundation; Dr. Siew Tuck Wah, Chairman, SOSD; and Ms. Corinne Fong, Executive Director, SPCA.
- ShareQ: Melina from SOSD On what basis would you give licence to home-breeders? #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAVA suggests licencing to curb illegal home-breeding #ACRESsymposium
- ShareGeneral sentiments lie with banning pet farms and not licence home-breeding #ACRESsymposium
- ShareQ: Why did AVA permit the import of dogs like Huskies, knowing that they are not suited for the climate in Singapore? #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAVA: animals can adapt, & it’d be doing a dis-service to potential pet owners to ban such breeds (which are unsuitable) #ACRESsymposium
- Share(Off tweeting for awhile, need to help with food preparation) #ACRESsymposium
- Share@cubismwonder Thank you gladys for updating! Very informative!
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Session on Tackling Wildlife Crime.
Chaired by Mr. Tan En, Vice-Chairman, Chong Pang YEC.
- ShareGerald Neo, from Wildlife dept of AVA talking on wildlife trade in Singapore #ACRESsymposium
- ShareNew ESA has higher penalties, room for greater enforcement #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAVA has had 2 cases of wild bird poachers prosecuted in the past #ACRESsymposium
- ShareThey also conduct random checks on pet shops and check wildlife consignments based on tip offs #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMajor wildlife seizures inc. Keeping of exotic pets and illegal import of animals/their products listed in CITES #ACRESsymposium
- ShareARREST: Asia’s Regional Response to Endangered Species Trafficking by Mr. Steve Galster #ACRESsymposium
- ShareSteve Galster from ARREST on wildlife crime in the region #ACRESsymposium
- SharePpl with money, power, corruption, almost nvr go to jail for trafficking wildlife #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAlthough enforcement isimproving, corruption is the major barrier in battling wildlife crime #ACRESsymposium
- ShareASEAN-WEN Support Program is in place to slow the decline of species on the brink (e.g. Pangolin, Rhino, Green Turtle) #ACRESsymposium
- ShareRole of camera traps in fighting wildlife trafficking - photographic evidence #ACRESsymposium
- ShareARREST is an asia-based alliance of various partners (e.g. NatGeo, MTV, ACRES) #ACRESsymposium
- ShareARREST is a partnership of orgs dealing w wildlife trade in the region, increase regional network & train rangers #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMore female rangers undergoing training! Manuals and courses and workshops, really tough and rigorous #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAchievements: reduction in poaching, tracking down of ring leaders instead of lorry drivers #ACRESsymposium
- ShareTo reach out to the mass public, they teamed up with NatGeo tv to produce a documentary on wildlife crime in the region #ACRESsymposium
- ShareOne of ARREST’s outreach strategies: creating TV programmes (Illegal Ivory) #ACRESsymposium
- Share4part series on taskforce of Asean-wen: Crimes against Nature #ACRESsymposium
- ShareARREST is also developing iPhone/Android Apps to highlight what’s illegal/legal #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMobile apps to help id illegal wildlife being sold, wildlife crime on the radar of law enforcement agencies like Interpol #ACRESsymposium
- ShareStrategies to tackle wildlife trade - 1. Public education 2. Reduce demand #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAnd also reduce demand through education. Ideas that ARRES are looking into #ACRESsymposium
- ShareLouis Ng from @ACRES_SG on wildlife trade in Singapore #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMr. Louis Ng is now sharing the wildlife trade situation in Singapore -bCase study: Tiger parts #ACRESsymposium
- ShareACRES is working with AVA, proposing new strategies to tackle wildlife trade coming through Singapore #ACRESsymposium
- Share“If you bring out, you just say that it’s a talisman, not tiger claw.” - wildlife trafficker #ACRESsymposium
- ShareVideo being shown on TCM shops in Sg selling bear/tiger parts. Lots of seizures conducted. #ACRESsympsium
- Share“These seizures only represent the tip of the iceberg.” #ACRESsymposium
- Share@jocelynesze you’re like the official twitter live updates for ACRES
- Share@shhai haha no lah, cos at symposium. But can follow #ACRESsymposium to get updates.
- ShareMr. Ng suggests the use of sniffer dogs (as used in Korea), as opposed to just X-ray, to detect wildlife parts #ACRESsymposium
- ShareBorder security needs more beefing up: use of sniffer dogs as in South Korea, Thailand, India, China, Ecuador, Kenya… #ACRESsymposium
- ShareQ&A session - panelists: Mr. Louis Ng, Mr. Gerald Neo, Mr. Steve Galster #ACRESsymposium
- Panellists: Mr. Louis Ng, Executive Director, ACRES; Mr. Gerald Neo, Manager (Wildlife), AVA and Mr. Steve Galster, Director, FREELAND Foundation and Chief of Party, ARREST.
- ShareMr. G. Neo: Further investigation r’qd. Public is welcome to inform AVA abt such cases. #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMr. S. Galster: Regional perspective - investig. & legislation req. time, timing & implementation of legal reforms R impt. #ACRESsymposium
- ShareNow addressing the issue of traps - bird traps. Trapping most birds are illegal, buying bird traps legal. #ACRESsymposium
- ShareVets can report endangered animals (which may be illegal specimens), to AVA (ACRES have got such cases). #ACRESsymposium
- ShareCan vets be penalised for keeping mum abt such cases? #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMr. S. Galster: Need to push legal reform regionally/globally, too much grey areas #ACRESsymposium
Session on Addressing Zoo Animal Welfare Concerns.
Chaired by Mr. Louis Ng, Executive Director, ACRES.
- ShareTools to Improve & Measure the Welfare of Captive Wildlife by Dr. Sonja Luz, Director of Conservation, Research & WRS Learning Centre, WRS
- Share3 Aspects of Animal Welfare - Physical, Mental, Naturalness (fulfilment of biological needs) #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMain aspects WRS consider: Veterinary care, Keepers care, Zoological care #ACRESsymposium
- SharePositive Reinforcement Training (PFT) aka Conditioning captive animals #ACRESsymposium
- ShareReward system alongside PFT reduce stress in animal & thus, allow them to undergo diagnostic treatments, such as ultrasound #ACRESsymposium
- ShareACRES is not against animals in captivity, rather, the emphasis is on animals that cannot cope with being in captivity #ACRESsymposium
- ShareACRES’s strategies: Positive dialogue and partnerships, not confrontation #ACRESsymposium
- ShareConfrontation, in the form of campaigns, when positive dialogues fails #ACRESsymposium
- ShareCase study: Dolphins & RWS. Mr. L. Ng is addressing the alleged accusations issued by RWS (on ACRES misleading the public) #ACRESsymposium
- ShareClosed presentation with video of Dr. Jane Goodall on cetaceans and sentiments on captivity #ACRESsymposium
Panellists: Mr. Louis Ng, Executive Director, ACRES; Dr. Lou Ek Hee, Assistant Director, Animal Welfare Section, AVA; Ms. Deirdre Moss, Animal Welfare Director, SPCA and Dr. Sonja Luz, Director of Conservation, Research and WRS Learning Centre, WRS.
- Question pertaining to extent of monitoring done on zookeepers was raised
- ShareMs. D. Moss is unaware of such welfare shortfalls but she will look into the matter. #ACRESsymposium
- The “open” zoo concept was also briefly addressed - The understanding was animals roamed the exhibits in the day (when the zoo is open to the public), and confined to cages after hours (supposedly for security reasons, and such). Apparently, confinement is not a problem for the animals as they spend the time sleeping.
- ShareThanks to @cubismwonder for tweeting from #ACRESsymposium!
- Share. @jocelynesze too! RT @VaranusSalvator: Thanks to @cubismwonder for tweeting from #ACRESsymposium!
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- ShareI see @cubismwonder is tweeting from #ACRESsymposium, will catch up later. Wonder how @saylinsays session went!
- ShareShould have changed my driving lesson to 5pm so I can stay for the public forum on animal welfare legistation at #ACRESsymposium
- SharePublic forum on animal welfare legislation at 3pm, chong pang cc during #ACRESsymposium, expected to be very exciting.
- ShareSorry! Re:”Ms. D. Moss is unaware of such welfare shortfalls but she will look into the matter.” Speaker was Dr. S. Luz, WRS #ACRESsymposium
- ShareFollow @cubismwonder to get updated on the happenings of #ACRESsymposium
- Share@jocelynesze @cubismwonder good job at broadcasting what’s happening at #ACRESsymposium
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- Safeguarding the Welfare of Animals in Singapore – Dr. Lou Ek Hee, Assistant Director, Animal Welfare Section, AVA.
- ShareAh, sry currently: Safeguarding the Welfare of Animals in SG by Dr. Lou Ek Hee, A. Director, Animal Welfare Section, AVA #ACRESsymposium
- Share@cubismwonder decided to cancel my driving lesson! Haha walking back now
- Share“@jocelynesze: @cubismwonder decided to cancel my driving lesson! Haha walking back now” awesomesauce.
- ShareAVA explains legislation on animal welfare and why they are not able to take certain action when crime is reported #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAVA also assures us that they care about animal welfare as much as the public does #acressymposium
- Updates on the Recommendations Raised at the First Public Forum on Animal Welfare Policies - Mr. Louis Ng, Executive Director, ACRES.
- ShareUpdates on the Recommendations Raised at the First Public Forum on Animal Welfare Policies - Mr. Louis Ng, Director, ACRES #ACRESsymposium
- ShareSterilisation & microchipping of stray cats launched last July 2011 #ACRESsymposium
- Share@ACRES_SG looking into a national adoption centre, as proposed during the last forum #ACRESsymposium
- SharePossible licensing of pets at point of sale, and microchipping of pets #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAVA is looking into establishing licensing of private breeders; official list of licensed breeders will be published #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMOE will also inc more on pet responsibility and animal welfare in new character moral education syllabus #ACREDsymposium
- ShareNon-adopted SAF dogs will no longer be euthanised after retirement. #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAVA and NParks sterilising instead of culling macaques, good progress! #ACRESsymposium
- ShareLouis Ng from @ACRES_SG ends his update on a positive note, thanking everyone for helping to shape animal welfare policies #ACRESsymposium
- ShareIt’s good that @ACRES_SG organised the forum as a platform for groups with similar interests to meet and discuss #ACRESsymposium
- Keynote speech by Minister K Shanmugam.
- ShareKeynote speech by Minister K Shanmugam #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAlthough we may not be that satisfied with where we are now, we have improved a lot from 1,2 years ago. #ACRESsymposium
- Share“Any responsible society, any civil society, should be judged by how it treats animals.” #ACRESsymposium
- ShareHeartening that people are overcoming resistance and making progress #ACRESsymposium
Public forum on animal protection legislation in Singapore.
Moderated by: Mr. Louis Ng, Executive Director, ACRES
Panellists: Minister K Shanmugam; Mr. Ong Say Lin, President, NUS PEACE and Ms. Low Wei Ling, President, KeepCats.
- ShareForum starting! Only on animal welfare, and has to be constructive. #ACRESsymposium
- ShareFirst half hour on domestic animals, then on wildlife and any others not covered #ACRESsymposium
- SharePublic forum on animal protection legislation in SG Mod. Panelists: Min. K Shanmugam, Mr. Ong S. L., Ms. Low W. L. #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMr. Ong S. L (@saylinsays) on glue traps: Is cruel & should be banned. Other traps that are just as inhumane, should be banned too.
- ShareEunice (Agency of Animal Welfare): Pre-purchase certificate could be integrated to identify responsible individuals #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMinister Shanmugam clarifies that he isn’t representing MND at the forum, but will feedback to relevant ministers #ACRESsymposium
- ShareNeed to strike a balance between measures suggested by animal lovers and practicality #ACRESsymposium
- ShareEunice (agency of animal welfare) calls for engagement of other ministers such as MOS @chuanjin1 in such public forums #ACRESsymposium
- ShareEunice also suggests having animal social workers, possibility of having a pilot project in the yishun constituency #ACRESsymposium
- ShareShanmugam talks of the difficulties public agencies face in dealing with certain issues and suggestions by the public #ACRESsymposium
- ShareSuggestion: Pet responsibility and licensing workshop prior to pet purchase. #ACRESsymposium
- ShareShanmugam addressing the degree of transparency in pet abuse cases #ACRESsymposium
- ShareNot possible for public agencies to be completely transparent regarding every stage of action from complaint to prosecution #ACRESsymposium
- Share.@saylinsays “If you’re going to make a complaint, you’ll have to follow through with it.” #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAVA looking into publishing guidelines on their website, and are slowly moving forward in terms of transparency… #ACRESsymposium
- ShareShanmugam: Comments on transparency is limited to the legal process #ACRESsymposium
- Share“It is responsible ownership that matters, not the breed, not the numbers.” - Lady #ACRESsymposium
- SharePossibility of having a COE for pet ownership has to be well thought out, not for profit-making #ACRESsymposium
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- SharePublic: abandonment occurs as a knee jerk reaction to news of possible laws on limits of nos of pets & should be clarified #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMs Low W. L.: Not-for-profit workshops will equip pet owners with the knowledge and enable them to be better caregivers #ACRESsymposium
- ShareCase study: Remy Ong “Should ppl like him be prosecuted?” #ACRESsymposium
- ShareRe-look & streamline existing legislations as some birds (e.g. asian glossy starling) are wrongly classified as pests. #ACRESsymposium
- SharePublic: ban sale of red-eared sliders (invasive sp), following other countries like Vietnam #ACRESsymposium
- ShareAVA should use IUCN’s & not CITES’s standards when dealing with wildlife trade #ACRESsymposium
- ShareTotally agree!! “@cubismwonder: AVA should use IUCN’s & not CITES’s standards when dealing with wildlife trade #ACRESsymposium”
- ShareShanmugam on Remy Ong’s: “We should avoid getting into a lynch mob mentality.” & let the authorities deal with it #ACRESsymposium
- ShareMinister: indv,NGOs,govt agencies do their part & have confidence in each other, & not have NGOs do the job of govt agencies #ACREDsymposium
- ShareJust spotted a guy hand-signing the forum to a group of deaf people! Awesome:) #ACRESsymposium
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- ShareProf. Oakley highlights the potential of Singaporeans in moving #shark conservation forward. #ACRESsymposium
- ShareFollow @jocelynesze @cubismwonder for news from the Animal Welfare Symposium
- Closing Address by Mr. Ong Say Lin, President, NUS PEACE.
- ShareYes we will! MT @cubismwonder: Ms Low W. L.: Not-for-profit workshops will equip pet owners with better knowledge #ACRESsymposium
- End of symposium
- ShareWhile the symposium is a good platform for the public to air their views, I get an overwheming sense of negativity… #ACRESsymposium
- Share… It seems like despite probs raised and solutions proposed, there is not much that can/will be done, sense of resignation #ACRESsymposium
- ShareThe #ACRESsymposium seems like a platform for the public to verbally engage in discussions, raise awareness - not drive policy change. Hmm.
- ShareWe have come to an end of the Singapore Animal Welfare Symposium and Public Forum on Animal Welfare Policies by @ACRES_SG #ACRESsymposium
- ShareYou may view today’s programme outline here acres.org.sg/events/2ndfor… #ACRESsymposium
- ShareIt seems like a lot of qns are left unanswered, avoiding the crucial pts.. But undoubtedly there has been improvement so.. #ACRESsymposium
- Share@jocelynesze @cubismwonder End of symposium? Glad you were there, thanks for tweets
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- ShareThis field centre has wifi! WCS really knows how to do research in style. Following #ACRESsymposium from Cambodia in 33 deg C heat now.
- Share@amandathn no prob.! I missed quite a few points raised tho…
- ShareThanks @jocelynesze for your updates from #ACRESsymposium! Now go book another driving lesson! ;-P
- Share@jocelynesze @cubismwonder Thank you for the support and feedback you both, really appreciate it!
- ShareThat’s such a pity! RT @cubismwonder: Non-adopted SAF dogs will no longer be euthanised after retirement. #ACRESsymposium
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