Police will tackle abuse seriously

Letter from AUDREY ANG
Assistant Director (Media relations),
Singapore Police Force

TODAY, 25 March 2006

WE REFER to the letters, "Animal rights vs music copyright?" by Celia Chua (March 21) and "Cat love starts in the cradle" by Deirdre Moss (March 24), as well as the earlier commentary by Goh Boon Choo "Catch the human rats" (March 20).

Our police officers have been reminded of the appropriate laws that provide for investigations into acts of cruelty to animals. We will investigate reports of alleged animal abuse seriously and with a view to prosecute.

We also work with the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) as well as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on the safe custody or care for abused animals. Arrangements are also made with the AVA for the animal to be sent for veterinary attention and examination.

Offenders will be prosecuted in court when there is sufficient evidence.

An offender may be punished under the Animals & Birds Act. When convicted, he faces a maximum fine of $10,000 or a maximum jail term of 12 months, or both.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, the offender may alternatively face a charge of mischief by killing or maiming an animal under the Penal Code which carries an imprisonment term of up to five years, or with a fine, or both.