"Animal centres" run by the public - Jocelyn Koh

16 May 2006

I am not an animal lover but I am perturbed by the extent to which some people will go to harm strays.

I would like to suggest the following:

? The SPCA has been short-handed for many years. More awareness, public education, manpower and donations/funds need to be channelled to this organisation.

? Start several "Animal Centres" across the island to house all healthy strays and abandoned pets.

? Animal lovers, vets, petshop owners, retirees and school children could volunteer their services to help "run" these centres, take care of the animals and keep the centres clean.

? People who would like to buy or adopt a pet should first volunteer their services at the centres for a minimum period of time and be assessed if they are able, suitable or ready to keep pets before they are allowed to do so. They must agree to send the pet to the centres should they have a change of mind later and not abandon it.