When will S’pore recognise tethering, crating of dogs as cruelty?

It is heartening to read the recent news about animal welfare, such as the official scheme to sterilise stray dogs on Jurong Island. But more can be done to improve animal welfare.

As reported in “Tougher penalties proposed for animal cruelty” (Oct 8), the amended Animals and Birds Act adopts codes to set the standard for animal welfare and spell out the duty of care by which owners must abide. This includes taking reasonable steps to ensure that the animal is provided for and has adequate food, water and shelter. So, some guidelines are now in place to protect the rights of pets.

Would not tethering and crating (confining to a crate), which deprive dogs of their fundamental needs — the freedom to walk, relieve themselves, stretch, relax and explore their environment — now be unacceptable forms and norms of basic care of a dog?

Could the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Singapore) (SPCA) clarify this issue?

In 2013, a case of a dog that was tethered all night to a pole with a four-foot leash in a semi-detached house, and taken outside only for brief poo sessions, was highlighted to the AVA. The dog was obviously treated as a deterrent to burglary.

The AVA concluded that there was no abuse because there was no local legislation determining such a practice as animal cruelty.

Instead of counselling the owner against tethering the dog, the owner was advised merely to exercise the dog and lengthen the chain. Recently, I emailed the AVA and SPCA to highlight that the dog is still tethered all day to the pole.

Inaction in this case would be a contradiction of recent initiatives, such as the new adoption facility being considered and the changes to the Animals and Birds Act. (“Animal adoption centre may open at East Coast Park”; Dec 15)

Allowing the practices of tethering and crating our pet dogs is not the start of true progress in animal welfare. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) has long recognised these as forms of cruelty. When will we?