Pet Abandonment in Singapore

March 9, 2023

Pet abandonment is an issue that has been on the rise in Singapore in recent years. According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), there has been a 65% increase in pet abandonment cases in 2020 compared to the previous year. This is a worrying trend as it not only puts the lives of these pets at risk, but also poses a public health and safety risk.

There are various reasons why pet abandonment occurs. Some owners may find that they are unable to take care of their pets due to financial constraints, while others may have to relocate to a place that does not allow pets. Another factor that contributes to pet abandonment is the lack of awareness about responsible pet ownership. Some pet owners may not realize the amount of time and effort that is required to properly care for a pet, or they may not know how to address behavioral issues that arise.

Photo Credits: http://www.acomaanimalclinictucson.com/how-to-cheer-up-your-sad-dog/

In addition to these factors, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on pet abandonment rates. As more people were forced to work from home, many decided to adopt pets as companions. However, some of these owners may not have been prepared for the long-term responsibility of pet ownership, and as a result, may have abandoned their pets when they realized they could not provide adequate care.

Regardless of the reason, pet abandonment is a serious issue that requires the attention of the public. Here are some ways that we can help counter this issue:

Adopt, don't shop

One way to counter pet abandonment is to adopt a pet instead of buying one from a pet store or breeder. There are many animals in shelters that are in need of loving homes. Adopting a pet from a shelter is a great way to counter pet abandonment. According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), there are around 7,000 dogs and cats in shelters in Singapore waiting for their forever homes. By adopting a pet, you not only save a life, but also help reduce the number of animals that are abandoned.

Photo Credits: https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/think-you-deserve-companionship-apply-to-adopt-a-dog-today

Volunteer at animal shelters

Volunteering at animal shelters is another way to help. By volunteering your time and skills, you can assist with animal care and help to promote adoption. Volunteering at animal shelters is a rewarding experience that can make a difference in the lives of animals. Shelters rely on volunteers to provide basic care to animals such as feeding, cleaning, and socializing. Volunteering can also help to promote adoption and raise awareness about responsible pet ownership.You can also help to spread awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Photo Credits: https://thesmartlocal.com/read/volunteer-animals/

Here are some dog shelters in Singapore where readers can volunteer:

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA): The SPCA is one of the largest animal welfare organizations in Singapore. They have a volunteer program where individuals can assist with animal care and help promote adoption. Interested readers can visit their website at https://www.spca.org.sg/volunteer for more information.
Causes for Animals Singapore (CAS): CAS is a non-profit animal welfare organization that rescues and rehomes animals in need. They rely on volunteers to assist with animal care, fundraising, and events. Interested readers can visit their website at https://www.causesforanimals.com/volunteer for more information.
Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD): ASD is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehomes stray and abandoned dogs. They rely on volunteers to assist with dog walking, animal care, and events. Interested readers can visit their website at https://www.asdsingapore.com/volunteer for more information.
Animal Lovers League (ALL): ALL is a non-profit animal welfare organization that rescues and rehomes cats and dogs. They rely on volunteers to assist with animal care, fundraising, and events. Interested readers can visit their website at https://www.animalloversleague.com/volunteer for more information.

Educate others about responsible pet ownership

Education is a powerful tool in preventing pet abandonment. Many people may not know the basics of responsible pet ownership, such as the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. These procedures can prevent overpopulation and reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters or on the streets.

Photo Credits: https://topdogtips.com/find-abandoned-dog/

In addition to spaying and neutering, it is important to provide pets with proper nutrition and exercise. Many health issues in pets can be prevented or managed by providing them with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can also help detect and treat any health issues before they become serious.

By educating others about responsible pet ownership, we can help prevent pet abandonment and promote a more compassionate society. This can be done through various means, such as sharing information on social media, distributing flyers, or organizing educational events.

Furthermore, it is important to educate potential pet owners about the responsibilities that come with owning a pet. Owning a pet requires a significant commitment of time, money, and energy. Potential pet owners should be aware of the responsibilities of pet ownership before bringing an animal into their home.

Report cases of pet abandonment

If you come across cases of pet abandonment, it is important to report them to the authorities. This can include contacting the SPCA or the police. By reporting these cases, we can help ensure that pets are rescued and given the care they need.

Photo Credits: https://topdogtips.com/find-abandoned-dog/

If you spot a potential abandoned animal on the streets, it is important to take the appropriate steps to ensure their safety and well-being. Here's a step-by-step guide on what you can do:

Observe the animal: Observe the animal from a safe distance to determine if they are in distress or if they are lost. Approach the animal slowly and calmly, and avoid sudden movements.
Assess the situation: If the animal appears to be injured or in distress, contact a local animal rescue organization immediately. If the animal seems to be lost, try to find their owner by posting on social media or contacting local animal shelters.
Provide temporary care: If the animal is in immediate danger and needs temporary care, provide food and water and keep them in a safe, enclosed area until help arrives.
Contact the authorities: If you suspect that the animal has been abandoned, report it to the relevant authorities such as the SPCA or the police. Provide as much information as possible, such as the location of the animal, its description, and any other relevant details.
Follow up: Follow up with the relevant authorities to ensure that the animal has been rescued and is receiving proper care. If you are able to provide a temporary home for the animal, consider fostering them until a permanent home can be found.

Reporting cases of pet abandonment is crucial in ensuring that animals are rescued and given the care they need. By taking action and reporting these cases, we can help create a more compassionate society and prevent pet abandonment in the future.

In conclusion, pet abandonment is a serious issue that requires the attention of the public. By adopting pets, volunteering at animal shelters, educating others about responsible pet ownership, and reporting cases of pet abandonment, we can help counter this issue and create a more compassionate society.

Sources: