What can be done?
Those on the ground are requiring more to be done to inform the general public.
Ms Thenuga said AVS might play a part in informing trainees in schools on looking after neighborhood animals and accountable family pet ownership, or money an animal well-being group to do so.
CWS is preparing to launch a curriculum for schools in the 2nd half of 2023 to fill this space, however it will depend on specific schools to bring this to their trainees, she included.
“If we had funding, we could hire a full-time education executive to go to every school and run a programme, give assembly talks, or even mentor tertiary students for their projects.”
AVS said it has numerous platforms to raise awareness about animal well-being and accountable family pet ownership.
These consist of Pets’ Day Out occasions, a webinar series, talks, roaming exhibit panels and school plays.
Students can likewise go on a knowing journey at AVS’ animal class with rescued animals at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden to discover keeping animals.
Meanwhile, SPCA has actually attracted moms and dads to do more.
“We urge parents and educators to underscore to their children the importance of treating all animals as sentient beings,” said Ms Sankar.
In October 2022, SPCA released an ambassador program for youths, which empowers them to raise awareness about animal abuse and cruelty.
Some cat caretakers are taking matters into their own hands.
A caretaker in her 50s, who wished to be understood just as Ms Joan, said she saw a group of kids tossing stones at neighborhood cats in Tiong Bahru some years back.
At the time, her group of 3 caretakers stopped the kids from doing so and explained that they ought to not maltreat neighborhood cats.
“We took pains to resolve the issue before it escalated. One of our caregivers even alerted the principal of their school,” she said.
“It seemed excessive then, but in hindsight, it was effective to nip the problem in the bud, especially with the recent incident of a minor throwing a cat over the parapet.”
On deterrence, Ms Sankar said SPCA works carefully with other animal well-being groups and the authorities to lobby for stiffer charges that match the gravity of the abuse.
“These penalties will help deter potential abuse… Every instance of abuse and cruelty is a grave cause for concern,” she said.
“We share this world with other sentient beings, and it is our collective responsibility to treat them with dignity, compassion and respect.”
