Animals in shelters to benefit from successful donation drive

SINGAPORE — The uncertain economic climate did not deter animal lovers from making more contributions to help abandoned pets here, with a recent annual donation drive raising 1,000kg more in dry food compared to the previous year.

The 6,665kg of dry food collected between Dec 14 and Dec 30 last year was also 10 times more than the amount collected during the first dry food donation drive in 2008.

The donation drive, organised by local chain store Pet Lovers Centre’s charity foundation, will benefit more than 1,000 dogs and cats living in shelters run by Action for Singapore Dogs, the Cat Welfare Society and the Animal Lovers League.

“The results (of the donation drive) were unexpected,” said Pet Lovers Foundation spokesperson Karen Koh. She noted that last year’s campaign saw the donation of S$112,630 worth of pet food, compared to S$102,724 worth of food in 2011.

Ms Koh added: “There is a trend of owners humanising their pets and seeing them as a family member. They are more aware of the joy of having a pet, and this awareness makes them more willing to do more.”

It was also made easier for donors to contribute — prices of pet food at Pet Lovers Centre outlets were reduced and the donation process was simplified as well.

Pet food was previously bought and brought down to shelters by the donors themselves, which some felt was inconvenient and time-consuming. So last year, donors could either order dry food for donation at any of the 50 Pet Lovers Centre retail outlets here, or call a hotline to make a donation.

The festive Christmas period also meant that people were “very willing to give”, added Ms Koh.

At the Animal Lovers League, which has more than 600 abandoned dogs and cats at their shelter, the 3,081kg of dry food donated will feed the animals for four months.

The shelter, which was participating in the donation drive for the first time, uses 30kg of dry food daily. “We try to rely on donations for food as medical bills are very high, especially when our dogs are now getting old,” said Ms Christine Bernadette, who has been volunteering at the Animal Lovers League for the past seven years.