annual report

ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR 1 JULY 2014 to 30 JUNE 2015
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a registered animal welfare
charity with Institution of Public Character status. It is an organisation approved by the
Commissioner of Charities to receive tax-deductible donations (i.e. donors are given tax
deduction for donations made to the SPCA).
The SPCA was set up in 1947 and registered under the Societies Act on 30 March 1961. - ROS No.
1055/47WEL
FUNDING
The SPCA is not a government agency, and does not receive any grant from the government. We rely
on mainly donations from our supporters and fundraising activities to run our various animal welfare
services and continue our important role as animal protector.
OBJECTIVES
Our objectives are to prevent cruelty to animals and birds, and to promote kindness to animals and
birds.
VISION
A compassionate Singapore where all animals are treated with kindness and respect.
MISSION
To promote kindness and prevent cruelty to animals through education, advocacy and action.
AMBITION
To be a leading authority and advocate on animal welfare and cruelty issues in Singapore.
SERVICES
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24-hour emergency service for sick, injured, distressed and/or very young animals
Investigation of cruelty complaints
Public education programme for students and adults
Sterilisation programme for community animals
Clinic for basic treatment of community animals
Animal adoption and fostering programmes
Service for lost-and- found pets
Advocacy for the humane treatment of animals
Running an animal shelter, and supporting quarantine for unwanted, abused and/or abandoned animals
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 1
67th Report to Members
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (AS AT 30 JUNE 2015)
Ms CARLA BARKER
Ms MARY SOO
Mr SIVAKUNALEN SAMUEL
Ms TERESA CHIU CHI LING
CHAIRPERSON
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
HONORARY SECRETARY
HONORARY TREASURER
Mr QUEK SWEE KOK
Mr TAN TOK JIN
Mr KLAUS DUSS
Ms ELLA SHERMAN
Ms ELLEN NG
Ms NICOLA SHAW
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The SPCA is governed by its Management Committee whose members are all volunteers and receive
no remuneration or benefits for their voluntary service. They are elected annually by the members of
SPCA at its Annual General Meeting in accordance with its Constitution to hold office for one year.
They will automatically retire at the next Annual General Meeting, but will be eligible for re-election.
The Management Committee is responsible for setting a clear vision for SPCA through its mission and
objectives, and ensures that adequate resources are allocated to the development and provision of
appropriate services and activities. The Management Committee is responsible for setting the policies
of SPCA, and ensures that it is governed and managed responsibly and prudently.
SPCA abides by the principles and guidelines of the Code of Governance for Charities and Institutions
of Public Character (IPCs) as applicable and practicable.
SPCA has adopted a Code of Conduct for the guidance of its Management Committee members in
effectively carrying out their duties and responsibilities. All Management Committee members
undertake to abide by this Code of Conduct which includes a conflict of interest policy. During the
financial year, there have been no incidences of conflicts of interest reported.
MEMBERSHIP (AS AT 30 JUNE 2015)
Membership is open to all residents of Singapore or persons who have been resident and are
temporarily absent therefrom, and who have attained the age of seven years.
As at 30 June 2015, Membership was as follows: Junior-502 , Youth- 92, Senior- 796, Life-1590,
Corporate – 2, Corporate Life -1 .
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 2
Chairman’s Foreword – Carla Barker
I promised last year that construction on our new premises would commence, and be completed by
December 2015. I am happy to be able to say that building has been going on efficiently, and, if you
take a drive by 50 Sungei Tengah Road, you will be able to see the result in the building that is already
proudly standing there. We expect to have Temporary Occupancy Permit by the end of this year, and to
move before Chinese New Year.
Plans on the logistics for the Big Move are well underway. Our managers are working on the fitting-out,
and what we can salvage, from what we have, for furnishings; the garden has been planted! However,
actually moving depends on when we can raise the final $1 million needed to settle what we will owe to
the contractors and architects. To that end, we have been stepping up our fundraising efforts, and drive
for donations. We are also making application to the authorities for waiver of goods and service taxes
for us, as a charity. There are no guarantees, so I hope members will do what they can to help us raise
the final sum of monies needed.
This very real need for funds to meet the instalment payments for construction costs – larger cheques
than we are used to writing - has focussed our attention this year on the need to keep running costs
down. A small saving, but nevertheless important as part of a larger trend, lies in this Annual Report
before you, which you will quickly notice is half the size of last year’s book. This year, we have written a
summary for you on the main services of SPCA’s mission – the four pillars of the Shelter, the
Inspectorate, Education and Animal Welfare developments; and, refer you to a fuller report – on all the
activities of SPCA – on http://www.spca.org.sg/publication.asp
In my Foreword last year I set out, in some depth, SPCA’s position with regard to euthanasia, and our
pride in what we have achieved through, and continuing belief, in our sterilisation programmes. I would
just like to reassure members that evaluation of these is a continuing process, and we will always try to
do the best we can for homeless animals.
Finally, I feel it incumbent on me to express a special word of gratitude, on behalf of the Management
Committee, to the managers and staff who have worked closely and faithfully with us in these
uncertain-looking times. Their loyalty and dedication has given us strength to continue the work. I am
sure that, this time next year, we will be able to report on a newly burgeoning SPCA, in that new neck
of the woods: Kranji. Truly, I am looking forward to it.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 3
Executive Director’s Report – Corinne Fong
Well, here I am again. And even into the fourth year as Executive Director, it’s still inspiring to
see, at close quarters, the valuable and immensely important work the SPCA does every day.
It has also been an extraordinary year. Work began in earnest more than 12 months ago on
our flagship development, the new 7,766.70 sq metre site at Sungei Tengah.
We launched our Buy-A-Brick fundraising initiative in 2013, and recently had a champion in
Mrs Ivy Singh-Lim to help us raise more funds for the new building through her initiative, The
Last Sprint. We also have Mrs Genevieve (Peggy) Jeffs who has worked tirelessly as
Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Benefit Gala and who, together with her
committee members have canvassed and sold more gala dinner tables than we could ever
imagine. I am immensely grateful to the two wonderful ladies who have given their time and
effort to a worthy cause. I make no apology for the strong leaning towards getting help to
secure vital funds for it, and I’m appealing to everyone to support our efforts.
I’d also like to say a huge thank you to all our supporters who spared the time to help raise
money during the entire year. All our supporters held events at work, at school, college, or with
friends, to raise critical funds for the SPCA.
One of the highlights of the past year, was the collaboration between DDB Singapore and
SPCA to encourage adoption of shelter dogs through a remake of the famous children’s
classic “(How much is that) Doggie in the Window”. The remake, “(Do you see that) Doggie in
the Shelter”, was recorded in 2008 by the late Patti Page, the American country music icon
who catapulted the original song to worldwide fame in 1952. We reached out to shelters
worldwide, from as near as Taiwan and Hong Kong, to as far as Arizona and asked if they
could share this song. It was a tremendous success, and for this, I’m grateful to DDB whose
three chaps Michael, Sid and Wei Jie spent endless hours working on the animated video.
We’ve had quite an eventful year as far as Animal Welfare and our Inspectorate are
concerned. We investigated close to 850 cases of alleged abuse, cruelty and neglect. It clearly
needs the animal welfare laws to be strengthened so that the laws do what they’re supposed
to do: provide greater protection to animals.
While the AWLRC has put in place higher tiered penalties and jail terms for the individual and
the commercial entity, all this would be for nought if enforcement of the laws are not in place,
and perpetrators believe they can continue to abuse and neglect animals with impunity.
Finally, my sincere thanks and appreciation to the wonderful colleagues I work with everyday.
Their dedication to our animals is non pareil, their devotion to the work unflinching. They are
the reason I am glad to come to work each and every day.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 4
SHELTER OPERATIONS
The SPCA shelter staff, comprising the Shelter Supervisors, Animal Care Officers, Animal Support
Officers and Clinic staff, have been responsible for the day-to-day running of the shelter, clinic and 24hour emergency service for sick, injured, distressed and very young animals. Our staff, together with
Adoption Counsellors, facilitate the day-to-day adoption procedures in our shelter, helping to counsel
and educate prospective adopters on responsible pet care. SPCA also operates a lost-and-found
service, and foster care programme. Our clinic provides veterinary treatment and sterilisation for our
shelter animals, and sterilisation of community animals.
ANIMAL STATISTICS FROM 1 JULY 2014 TO 30 JUNE 2015
Notes
A
ANIMALS IN SHELTER AS AT 1 JULY 2014
G
INTAKE (of Live Animals only):
Emergency Rescues
Surrenders by Members of the Public
Owner-requested Euthanasia
TOTAL INTAKE [B to D]
Subtraction of animals, from D, assessed as unhealthy and
untreatable, and humanely euthanised
ADJUSTED INTAKE [E less F]
H
I
J
OUT-GOING (ANIMALS LEAVING SHELTER):
Adoptions
Out-going Transfers to Other Organisations
Lost Animals Returned to Owner / Claimed / Released
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
EUTHANASIA STATISTICS
Healthy
Aggressive/Temperamental
Too Young (0 to 3 weeks old)
Sick/Injured but put down due to other reasons
Sick/Injured and untreatable
TOTAL NUMBER EUTHANISED [K to O]
Owner-requested Euthanasia (sick & untreatable only)
ADJUSTED TOTAL EUTHANASIA [P less Q]
S
T
U
SUBTOTAL OUT-GOING (excl .Owner-req. Euthanasia)
[H+I+J+R]
Died or Lost in shelter care
TOTAL OUT-GOING (excl. Owner-req. Euthanasia) [S+T]
V
ANIMALS IN SHELTER AS AT 30 JUNE 2015 [A+G less U]
W
LIVE RELEASE RATE: [H + I + J] / [S] x 100%
B
C
D
E
F
Notes:
i
i
ii
iii
iv
v
DO G S
CATS
OTHERS
TOTAL
78
69
52
199
180
650
19
849
789
570
8
1,367
1,111
771
0
1,882
2,080
1,991
27
4,098
-19
830
-8
1,359
0
1,882
-27
4,071
244
0
350
434
0
281
453
985
115
1,131
985
746
0
41
9
48
137
235
-19
216
0
53
141
88
268
550
-8
542
0
5
19
25
129
178
0
178
0
99
169
161
534
963
-27
936
810
13
823
1,257
97
1,354
1,731
158
1,889
3,798
268
4,066
85
74
45
204
73.33%
56.88%
89.72%
75.36%
Surrenders by Members of the Public: Include animals found and brought in to SPCA
for claim by their owners, and animals given up by their owners formally at SPCA
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 5
ii
Other Organisations: the Jurong Bird Park, ACRES, the Zoo,and
AVA
iii
Claimed: Rehomed Released: (of cats and birds) after treatment and/or
sterilisation, returned to their original locations
iv
These include animals that are old & with illnesses
v
These include animals that have untreatable or terminal
conditions
FOSTERING
Introduced to help us save more lives, fostering provides dedicated attention and accommodation for
animals that are too young to be kept in a shelter environment or animals that need specialised care
involving treatment and/or behavioural rehabilitation.
From 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015, the SPCA shelter operations saw a total of 176 animals (dogs, cats,
rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and gerbils) fostered, prior to returning for adoption. This is made
possible by an increased number of registered adult volunteers. SPCA staff, too, go beyond the call of
duty, fostering young animals.
Fostering has helped provide a welcome alternative to euthanasia, as these animals would be nursed
to better health, given the necessary care and a more conducive environment, while at the same time
freeing up space in our shelter to accommodate other needy animals.
For the period 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015, euthanasia rates saw a further dip from the corresponding
figures for the preceding financial year(s):Financial
Year (FY):
(A)
Total no.
of animals
(comprising
dogs, cats
and others)
Total no. of animals humanely euthanised:
(B)
Dogs:
Cats:
Others:
TOTAL:
taken in:
Percentage of
animals humanely
euthanised,
i.e. (B) divided by ( A):
2011-2012
6,124
793
1,698
1,028
3,519
57.46%
2012-2013
4,449
512
996
447
1,955
43.94%
2013-2014
3,519
206
690
172
1,068
30.35%
2014-2015
3,899
235
550
178
963
24.70%
Remarks:
There is a
general drop
in the
percentage
of animals
euthanised,
even as we
have taken in
generally
fewer
animals,
with each
passing year.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 6
This is partly due to our increased efforts to counsel owners and to persuade to rehome their pets
themselves. The Rehoming Notice Board on SPCA’s official website has also played a significant role,
as it has provided an alternative avenue for these owners, enabling them to advertise their pets for
adoption instead of surrendering them to SPCA.
CLINIC
The SPCA clinic sterilised 173 community animals and 1,093 sterilisation vouchers were distributed
from 1 July 2014 to 31 May 2015. Our Sterilisation Voucher Scheme ceased on 31 May being replaced
by the Stray Cat Sterilisation Programme which was launched on 1 June 2015 in partnership with AVA.
The total number of SPCA shelter animals sterilised, was 706.
STRAY CAT STERILISATION PROGRAMME
The SPCA joined the Stray Cat Sterilisation Programme (SCSP) on 1 June 2015. First launched
formally in 2014 by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), this collaborative venture between
the SPCA and AVA aims to further reduce the number of stray cats in Housing and Development Board
(HDB) estates.
Under the SCSP, caregivers will have to register with the SPCA clinic to book an appointment to have a
community cat sterilised and microchipped, or, at a participating veterinary clinic, for free. The AVA and
SPCA will fund the costs of sterilisation and microchipping equally.
Community cats living beyond the confines of HDB neighbourhoods, such as those in industrial and
private housing estates, or farms and outer fringe areas, can be sterilised for a nominal sum of $25
each. In addition, the SPCA will be training its volunteers and mediators to work with community
feeders in the areas of encouraging sterilisation, responsible feeding and public education.
The SCSP has replaced the SPCA’s former Sterilisation Voucher Scheme which came into effect in
1991. Under the scheme, the SPCA has distributed over 33,000 free sterilisation vouchers to the public
and other animal welfare groups, totalling S$1.2million borne by the SPCA.
The SCSP offers the SPCA the opportunity to work closely with community cat feeders in their trapneuter-release efforts, which would be enhanced and further streamlined with the collaboration of the
authorities and animal welfare groups, in order to better serve the community.
In addition to the SCSP, the SPCA will continue to assist community dog feeders with controlling and
managing the stray dog numbers. Individual feeders and rescuers can arrange to sterilise and
microchip the dogs at the SPCA clinic, at a highly subsidised and nominal rate of $25 each.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 7
ST JOHN’S ISLAND CAT STERILISATION PROJECT
SPCA carried out its seventh Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) exercise, on 18 and 19 October 2014.
Through the efforts of staff members, ex-staff, volunteers, volunteer veterinarians and veterinary
students from Temasek Polytechnic, a total of 14 cats was sterilised. As a result of this project initiated
in 2010, SPCA has sterilised approximately 90 per cent of the cat population on St. John’s.
INSPECTORATE
The SPCA investigated a total of 846 reports of alleged cruelty including neglect and abandonment.
This represents an increase of approximately 12 per cent from the previous year. Cases mainly
concerned general pet neglect, and insufficient veterinary care and attention, or alleged abandonment.
Our Inspectorate counselled owners to improve conditions for their pets where necessary, offering
advice and providing pet care leaflets and brochures. Solutions often had to be worked through to the
benefit of the pet and the pet owner. Follow-ups were carried out to check on the conditions of the
animals, and these continued until improvements were made. As the SPCA has no legal powers of
enforcement, in extreme cases where conditions failed to improve, we referred them to the Agri-Food
and Veterinary Authority (AVA) – which regulates the (revised) Animals & Birds Act.
Cats and kittens caged, at Toa Payoh
SPCA was alerted to three cats and four kittens, all kept within a small cage, outside their owner’s
ground floor HDB unit at Toa Payoh. Hardly any water was provided for the cats. All the animals were
taken into SPCA’s custody and brought to our shelter. Following our veterinarians’ observation, mother
and kittens were fostered out before being placed for adoption. The remaining two have been adopted.
Dog caged at Tai Keng Gardens
A dog was reportedly kept in a pen, 24/7, and its floor constantly wet. The owners, an elderly couple,
claimed the dog was found about a year ago. As the dog was able to squeeze through their front gate,
they claimed that they could not allow it to run free. Under the circumstances, we encouraged the
owners to surrender the animal to the SPCA, so that a new home could be found. The dog was
adopted from our shelter in July 2015.
Dog tied to a tree at St. Patrick’s Road
A dog was tied to a tree outside its owner’s landed unit, when it was drizzling. Upon arrival at the
location, and on interviewing the owner, our Inspector learned that the dog had been recently adopted
from the SPCA.
The owner admitted to having tied it outside as the dog had been distressed by the noise generated by
certain cleaning devices in the home. Upon further investigation, our Inspector also found that the dog
had been tied frequently.
As living conditions of the dog breached the SPCA’s adoption guidelines, which require dogs to be freeroaming when inside the home as much as possible, we have, since, taken custody of the dog and put
it up for adoption. SPCA has also blacklisted the first owner, barring him from future adoption of our
animals.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 8
Rabbit found dead at lift lobby
A rabbit was found dead in its cage, at an HDB lift lobby in Ang Mo Kio in January 2015. After an
examination by our consultant veterinarians, the rabbit was diagnosed to have been dead for more than
a day and was emaciated. Our Inspector conducted on-site interviews with residents living in the block,
where the rabbit was found, but the investigations did not yield any leads as to whom the owner(s)
might be. The SPCA did an “Appeal for Information” at the block and on our Facebook page, but to date
there have been no leads.
Five rabbits abandoned, at Bukit Batok Road
Five rabbits were found, allegedly
abandoned at Bukit Batok Road in
June 2015. They were squeezed
into a small blue carrier, in filthy
conditions. The SPCA proceeded to
put up “Appeal for Information”
notices at the location and on its
various communications platforms,
requesting witnesses to come
forward. We also spoke to foreign
workers from a nearby construction
site to obtain further leads, but to
no avail. The rabbits were
examined by our
consultant
veterinarians, before being handed
over to another rescue group for
rehoming.
About a month later, we were
alerted to a pink carrier left at the
same vicinity. Our Inspector arrived
at the scene to find the carrier
empty, but a dead rabbit was spotted on the left lane of the road. The SPCA similarly tapped its
communications platforms to put up another “Appeal for Information” to source for more leads in this
case. Following reports of further sightings of rabbits in the area and after an unfruitful search, another
appeal was put up on our Facebook page, to alert members of the public to be on the lookout for any
rabbits. This case is still on-going.
Maggot-infested rabbit found in Toa Payoh
In June 2015, the SPCA was alerted to an abandoned rabbit, in a white box inside a lift, at an HDB
block in Toa Payoh. It was found amid filthy conditions, with maggots crawling around it. It was
confirmed by our consultant veterinarians to be in very poor physical condition, severely emaciated and
dehydrated, with a suspected broken jaw. It was humanely euthanased to end its suffering.
The SPCA lodged an “Appeal for Information” on its communications platforms, to elicit further leads.
SPCA volunteers joined our officers, in a door-to-door appeal for witnesses. The case has since been
referred to the AVA for further investigation.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 9
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
The Education team saw another productive year as we continued to expand our presence through
community outreach programmes for various stakeholders such as educational initiatives for students
and teachers, to collaborations with animal welfare group and government agencies.
Students from one school forming the shape of a heart with their hands, in an expression of love for all animals.
Education Talks and Shelter Visits
A total of 82 talks were presented at various institutions from primary and secondary schools, to
Institute of Technical Education (ITE) colleges and junior colleges, student care centres, to polytechnics
and corporate organisations. Apart from external talks, we also hosted 75 visits to our shelter, which
also allows participants interaction opportunities with our animals and staff.
Student Collaborations
We also provide guidance and support to students on their school projects involving animal welfare.
Examples of student-led groups we have worked with are “All Four Paws” (Ngee Ann Secondary),
“ANYmal Care” (Anderson Junior College) and “Snow Stars” (Presbyterian High), raising a total of over
S$12,000 through fundraising activities. Other student groups we have worked with, on educational and
fundraising projects, include Tanglin Secondary School, Woodlands Ring Secondary School, Geylang
Methodist Primary, as well as pre-schools like My First Skool, and Molin Tutorial Centre, raising a total
of S$5,500.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 10
World Animal Day Celebrations
World Animal Day 2014 was a collaborative effort with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) on
27 and 28 September at United Square Shopping Mall. The theme was “Caring for Your Pets”, in line
with SPCA’s aim to educate on responsible pet ownership and equipping existing and potential pet
owners with knowledge on care and responsibility of owning a pet.
Facilitating Pet Care Workshops
A joint rabbit care workshop was held with the House Rabbit Society of Singapore. Canine Education
workshops were conducted together with our volunteer consultancy Cheerful Dogs, providing valuable
information on how one can better understand and interact with dogs. In addition, dog and cat care
workshops were held for youth supporters during the school holidays.
Extending Community Presence through Partnerships
SPCA participated in the AVA’s “I Adopt” event, and
succeeded in finding homes for twelve animals. A booth was
also set up at the “Paws Up Pet Carnival 2015”, a community
event held in Woodlands, to raise awareness on the
importance of responsible pet ownership. Other key events
include a two-day celebration, “50 years of Animal Rights”
that was organised with the help of students from Republic
Polytechnic, and the “Home Team NS Pet Adoption Carnival”
held at Sembawang in late 2014.
Promoting Animal Welfare in Curriculum
SPCA worked with the Temasek Polytechnic to integrate case studies of animal neglect and abuse into
the curriculum of the Skills Certificate in Pet Care and Management (Companion Animals). Designed
specifically for pet retail shop personnel in the pet industry, and those interested to enter the industry,
the course aims to impart relevant skills such as animal care and house, to legislations governing the
import and export of animals.
Other initiatives included working with the Ministry of Education to produce a video resource on pet
adoption for junior college students, a reproduction of our hamster leaflet in Home Economics
textbooks for secondary schools and SPCA’s ‘A Pet is for Life’ poster used as material for lower
secondary students.
Training of Animal Ambassadors
In 2014/15, we have continued to groom volunteers to be SPCA’s Animal Ambassadors at public
events, equipping them with the know-how of pet care information and animal adoption. The goal is to
build a strong and committed team of Animal Ambassadors to represent the SPCA at public events and
help spread our messages of animal welfare.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 11
ANIMAL WELFARE ISSUES
Raising the bar for animal welfare in Singapore
Legislation for animal welfare has been strengthened in Singapore, with the passing of the Animals and
Birds (Amendment) Bill in Parliament in November 2014. Two significant amendments announced are
stronger penalties for those convicted of cruelty to animals, and a duty of care to be imposed for all
those in charge of an animal including commercially run kennels.
The SPCA welcomes these landmark changes, as these were included in our proposal for legislative
reform (Animals and Birds Act, Part IV, the “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” sections 42 to 44) to the
Ministry of National Development (MND) in December 2011, prior to the formation of the Animal
Welfare Legislation Review Committee (AWLRC) in April 2012.
Apart from proposing increased penalties for existing offences, the SPCA had proposed that failure to
take care of the welfare of pets should also amount to an offence and be punishable as such. The
SPCA was involved in the AWLRC together with various stakeholders including animal welfare groups,
the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, veterinarians and representatives from the pet industry, offering
its insight and input in shaping the AWLRC’s recommendations. (The SPCA’s proposal can be read at
http://www.spca.org.sg/PDF/LegislativeReformfinal.pdf). It is hoped that the enhanced law will now
have more bite in terms of enforcement.
Stiffer penalties with effect from January 2015
With the amendments to the Animals and Birds Act, first-time offenders, under a tiered penalty
structure, could be fined up to S$15,000 or jailed for up to 18 months, or both, if convicted of cruelty to
animals, including the wilful abandonment of any animal.
Those in animal-related businesses face heftier punishments for animal cruelty - up to S$40,000 in
fines or jail not exceeding two years, or both, for a convicted first offender.
Advocacy
The past year has also seen the SPCA further its efforts in speaking up for the animals and speaking
out against animal cruelty. We continue our advocacy for animal welfare, and have generally acted on
alerts from concerned members of the public, whenever and wherever appropriate.
Advocating against animal abuse
We collaborated with Interuptive Communications, to promote an online message to stop animal abuse.
Calling for humane approaches in curbing the problem of dog barking
In August 2014, the SPCA was alerted to a notice from the Housing and Development Board (HDB),
posted at an HDB block in Ang Mo Kio, recommending "debarking... through surgery" as a proposed
measure to curb dog barking.
The SPCA issued a media statement, shortly after, urging the HDB, along with the general public
including dog owners, to consider animal welfare in resolving such problems, debarking being viewed
as a cruel and extreme measure. On 28 August, the HDB apologised for the notice, admitting that it
should have handled the issue more sensitively.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 12
Death of sheep in transit
The SPCA was concerned over media reports about the death of 174 sheep, on board an SIA Cargo
carrier, from Australia for the Korban ritual (as reported on 5 October 2014). This marked the first time
so many animal deaths occurred in a single shipment.
We wrote to the SIA Cargo (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) to ask for an investigation and
requested SIA Cargo to review its handling and delivery of animals. SIA Cargo replied, saying it will be
more mindful of animal welfare subsequently.
Appealing to the public to accept the community dogs in Bukit Batok
The SPCA’s letters were published in the press, urging responsible feeding of stray dogs at Bukit Batok
(an issue which was in the spotlight because of a rodent infestation in December 2014) and advocating
more empathy, and tolerance, be shown towards community animals sharing the environment with us.
Live rabbit petting
The SPCA, along with the House Rabbit Society of Singapore (HRSS), was alerted by a concerned
member of the public, to the Asian Civilisations Museum’s (ACM) Easter event, “Eggs-traordinary
Easter”, on Saturday 4 April 2015, within its premises, which advertised “a live rabbit petting corner”
among its highlights.
A joint letter by SPCA and HRSS was sent to the museum, explaining that rabbits, by virtue of their
sensitive nature and disposition, are easily distressed, particularly in noisy and unfamiliar environments.
Incorrect handling could also result in the animal sustaining spinal injuries paralysing their hind legs.
Responding to our concerns, the organisers promptly withdrew the rabbit petting segment.
Humane methods for pigeon control
Following our being alerted to a memorandum in June 2015, addressing residents of Chai Chee Estate
about the pigeon control operations, (suspected to be through poisoning), the SPCA wrote to the
Marine Parade Town Council (MPTC) advocating for more humane measures to be employed.
As we accepted the Town Council’s need to manage the situation, we proposed choosing more
humane alternatives like using B-ST, a bird-control gel-type solution that is reportedly among the most
efficient and innovative in the Japanese market (and being used in Singapore currently).
Glue adhesive traps
In June 2015, we wrote to Daiso Singapore stating our objections to sale of adhesive rat capture
devices. We shared the concern that such products have been known to cause unnecessary pain and
suffering to the animals trapped on them. We stressed that the use of such products is cruel, and
indiscriminate, in trapping not only the intended targets - rats and mice - but also birds and cats.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 13
PUBLICITY
The SPCA continues to extend its presence through media to encourage pet adoptions and create
awareness of animal welfare issues. Social media such as Facebook and Instagram continues to be
our primary platforms to appeal for information and/or witnesses in cases of alleged animal cruelty or
abandonment, as well as, for education, rehoming, adoption, rescue efforts. In 2014/15, our publicity
work included:
The MediaCorp Channel 8’s current affairs programme Frontline, invited the SPCA to share its views
on responsible feeding of stray dogs in the light of the Bukit Batok rat infestation case. We stressed the
need for community caregivers to work harmoniously with residents, as well as the need for responsible
feeding of strays by caregivers and feeders.
SPCA also appeared on MediaCorp’s The 5 Show with one of our long-term shelter dogs, Ida, as part
of a spotlight on pet adoptions. The segment also featured one of our rehabilitated dogs; Pedro, a
paraplegic Chihuahua, and allowed us to share about our animal foster-care programme.
Continuing to communicate our position on animal welfare issues, we wrote a total of thirteen letters to
the press, including replies to letters published in The Straits Times and TODAY. Topics included the
need for stronger enforcement in relation to the long-term confinement of dogs, urging public tolerance
for community animals, discouraging owners from indiscriminately giving up their pets to the SPCA, and
reminding owners to be responsible by cleaning up after their dogs. The published letters can be read
at http://www.spca.org.sg/media_press.asp
As part of fundraising and campaign efforts for our new building, the SPCA appeared in the
MillionaireAsia’s June edition, by way of a three-page feature article in the magazine. SPCA’s
Chairman Carla Barker, and Fundraising Sub-Committee member Ella Sherman, shared their
aspirations for the move and SPCA’s future. In addition, the Expat Living Singapore Magazine featured
four of our SPCA’s senior animals, in a single-page “Animal Adoption” special in its May edition.
We participated in a two-month collaboration titled “Love is Ageless” from September to October 2014,
with Hill’s Pet Nutrition Singapore. The campaign, which ran mainly on Facebook, was aimed at
promoting an appreciation and deeper understanding of senior petsas companion animals. It also
endeavoured to bridge the current gap in knowledge of pet care and health issues relating to the older
animals. Lending a hand, and paw to this campaign were local media personalities, MediaCorp artiste
Romeo Tan and Flapper Choo, a Golden-Lab mix.
We ushered in National Day 2014 with another Facebook campaign, by way of promotion of an
adoption drive, celebrating local mixed-breed dogs. A total of sixteen mixed-breed adults and puppies
found homes.
As part of efforts to create awareness of animal abuse, we teamed up with local interactive digital
agency, Interuptive Communications Pte. Ltd., on a banner campaign for Facebook. Through a series
of three adverts featuring a dog, cat and rabbit, we highlighted the effects and implications of animal
abuse.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 14
The SPCA partnered with advertising agency DDB Group Singapore to encourage adoption of shelter
dogs through a remake of the famous children’s classic “(How much is that) Doggie in the Window”.
The remake, “(Do you see that) Doggie in the Shelter”, was recorded in 2008 by the late Patti Page, the
American country music icon who catapulted the original song to worldwide fame in 1952. The
campaign consisted of a children’s picture book that was launched on World Animals Day 2015, and
distributed to pre-schools and primary schools, as well as a sing-along
The SPCA was invited to present our best practices and strategies for our social media and publicity
channels, at the event “Social Media for Social Good – Effective Online Campaigns and Outreach”,
organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information’s (MCI) New Media Department, on 19
September 2014, and held at the MCI’s headquarters at Hill Street. Corinne, our Executive Director
and Gabriel, our Communications Officer shared with our audience how the SPCA has used social
media to engage the public, and connect with like-minded followers.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 15
FUNDRAISING
Flag Days
There were two Flag Days held on 3 December 2014 and 16
May 2015 raising S$32,547.81 and S$115,442.92
respectively, coming from direct mail appeals and street
collections.
Our dedicated donors, members, volunteers and sponsors
turned out in full force to render their support for the animal
welfare cause. Close to a thousand volunteer tin-bearers hit
the streets islandwide with our donation tins.
Furry Friends Fund
A total of $9,593.21 was raised through the Furry Friends Fund 2015 which ran over a period of three
months from March to May. Our supporters took donation tins into their homes or offices for collection
of loose change.
Donation Boxes
A number of retail merchants and other organisations have placed SPCA doggie and counter-top
donation boxes at their premises. Doggie box collections for July 2014 to June 2015 amounted to
$181,037.81 and counter-top box collections amounted to $5,513.87.
“Buy A Brick”
SPCA’s “Buy A Brick” initiative, launched in September 2013, is still on-going and remains publicised
on SPCA’s website, Facebook page and in the SPCA Bulletin. As at 30 June 2015, the amount raised
was S$216,184.55 for July 2014 to June 2015. The total raised since September 2013 was
$420,555.95.
Adoption-cum-Fundraising Drives
The past year has also seen a number of fundraising cum adoption drives to help our animals find
homes. Among them was one hosted by Sentosa Cove Resort Management, held at the Sentosa Cove
in March, where participating merchants donated their relevant earnings to the SPCA.
Other Fundraising Events in Aid of the SPCA
The SPCA partnered Wearnes Automotive in staging a two-day Volvo sales event-cum-adoption drive,
held in September 2014 at Volvo’s showroom at Alexandra Road. Wearnes Automotive pledged to
donate S$1,000 to the SPCA for every car purchased by an SPCA member, during that weekend. A
total of S$5,000 was raised, arising from five Volvo units sold.
On 4 April 2015, the SPCA was presented with a cheque of S$2,056.50 from Cathay Cineleisure’s
event, “Cineleisure’s Next Online Sensation”, essentially a social media competition.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 16
On 12 April 2015, volunteers from
Marriott Vacation Club generously
gave of their time and efforts,
washing and waxing motorbikes at
our premises in aid of SPCA. At least
fifty motorbikes were washed and
waxed raising a total of $600.
On 9 May, a group of supporters took
to the floor at the Singapore Airlines’
SIA Group Sports Club, participating
in a Zumba dance class, to benefit
the SPCA. All proceeds raised
amounting to $645 were donated to
the SPCA.
Our collaborators from the education
sector also helped in raising funds for
the SPCA. Nanyang Junior College,
which held its “Wild Run” donation
drive in August 2014, named the
SPCA
as
its
beneficiary.
Approximately S$2,500 was raised
by students and staff. The event also
saw our very own senior cross-breed
dog, Ida, join in the animal-themed
festivities.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 17
Corporate Donors
The financial year commenced with SPCA being nominated as one of Cathay Organisation’s adopted
charities for 2014 and 2015.
A fundraising project was conducted with Groupon Singapore via their website in July and August 2014
on Groupon’s website. Donors opted to contribute S$1, S$20, S$50 or S$100 on each online
submission, to benefit the SPCA in the development of its new premises. Groupon has extended this
online promotion to the SPCA, on a pro-bono basis, taking zero per cent of the total earnings. To date,
this initiative has raised a total of S$43,416.00 for the SPCA.
NTUC FairPrice Foundation Limited kindly sponsored the NTUC's and SPCA's private movie screening
of "Penguins of Madagascar", on 16 December at Golden Village Plaza Singapura, specially for
children under the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. Proceeds of the charity movie
sponsorship, totalling S$15,000.00, have been donated to the SPCA.
Donation incentive
Following on from Budget 2015, it was announced that all donations to IPC charities, are entitled to a
tax relief of 300 per cent (up from 250 per cent previously). Donors will thus, be enjoying higher tax
relief for 2016’s tax assessment. Donors have been advised of this in SPCA appeals for funds.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 18
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteers work in a variety of areas including dog walking, foster care, the animal shelter and external
adoption promotions. Key events such as SPCA’s annual Flag Day and World Animal Day would not be
possible without the commitment and help from volunteers. Another important area where the SPCA
relies heavily on volunteers’ help is our door-to-door appeals for witnesses in cruelty/abandonment
cases. The SPCA currently has on its database, a total of 2,397 registered volunteers, having
increased by 737 from 1,660 volunteers in the previous financial year.
By attracting and retaining quality volunteers, the SPCA has been able to do more this year such as
volunteering at an overseas animal shelter. In August 2014, we made a trip with fourteen volunteers to
Noah's Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary in Johor.
On home ground, we saw an increase in the number of corporate visits from 44 to 58. Staff from
Google, Bloomberg, Starbucks, Timberland and NTUC FairPrice are just some of the corporates that
volunteered their time at SPCA. In addition, Google also donated US$10,000 of in-kind advertising from
AdWords, an online advertising solution to help the SPCA recruit volunteers and raise donations.
Our team of volunteer Adoption
Counsellors remains a vital part of
SPCA, contributing in a major way to
efforts in advocating responsible pet
ownership. With a revamped
counselling programme, we are also in
the midst of training volunteers to
conduct home visits under Project
ADORE (a national scheme to facilitate
the adoption of shelter dogs into HDB
housing).
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 19
As part of the national Stray Cat Sterilisation Programme efforts, SPCA joined AVA’s Stray Cat
Sterilisation Scheme on 1 June 2015. This initiative will also include grooming of volunteers to be
community mediators.
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 20
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The SPCA is grateful to the following for their generosity and support in our efforts, enabling us to reach
new levels of excellence in providing a refuge for the abandoned, ill, injured, and abused animals in our
care. We thank all donors and volunteers for their commitment and passion, including everyone who
has given our animals a second chance in life through adoption. The list below is by no means
exhaustive, and our sincere apologies to anyone we may have inadvertently omitted.
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Acacia Veterinary Clinic
Achieva Vending Pte Ltd
Action for Singapore Dogs
Acxiom Pte Ltd
Advance Waterproofing & Construction Pte Ltd
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority
Amber Veterinary Practice Pte Ltd
Anafore (Singapore)
Ang Bee Leng Jean
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Animal and Avian Veterinary Clinic
Animal Practice Pte Ltd
Animal World Veterinary Clinic
Aranda Country Club
Asia Capital Re
Beko (Singapore)
BERGS
BHP Billiton Marketing Asia Pte Ltd (Singapore)
BIG O Café & Restaurant
Bloomberg Singapore
Books Actually
Brainwaves Tutorial School
Breeks Café
Bubbly Petz
Bunny Wonderland
Casa Verde
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Cathay Organisation Holdings Ltd
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Channel NewsAsia
Cheerful Dogs
Chevron Singapore
Chew Gek Hiang
Chia Han Seng Nielsen
Philip Choi
Alicia Choo
Citi-YMCA Youth For Causes
Citibank Singapore Ltd
Civil Service Club (Bukit Batok Clubhouse)
Civil Service Club (Tessensohn Clubhouse)
Cold Storage Singapore Pte Ltd
Companion Animal Surgery Pte Ltd
Credit Suisse First Boston (Singapore) Ltd
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DDB Worldwide (Singapore)
DeDamselfly Photography
Defu Veterinary Clinic
Dejewel Galleria
Deutsche Bank AG (Singapore)
Disney Junior
Doggiestyle Café
Emerald Hill Group
Estate of Albert Daisy
Estate of Norris Noel Evelyn
Estate of Zaida Short
Estate of Soh Pheck Leong
Executive Directions Pte Ltd
Frankel Veterinary Clinic
Friends in Fur Pte Ltd
MediaCorp Radio (938LIVE & Capital 95.8FM)
MediaCorp TV (Channels 5 & 8)
MediaCorp Interactive Media (Toggle)
Giant Singapore
Google Singapore
Groupon Singapore
GRUB (at Bishan Park)
Hard Rock Café Singapore
Have A Hart Day Singapore
HomeTeamNS
ID Emboss Pte Ltd
Christopher Inglin
Interuptive Communications
Island Creamery
Island Veterinary Clinic (Bedok & Jurong East)
James Tan Veterinary Centre
Jireh Veterinary Clinic Pte Ltd
JOJO
J. P. Morgan Singapore
Julia Gabriel Centre
Kang, Nee (Dr.)
KC & Watson (FE) Pte Ltd
KONG Cares SG
L & C Organisation
Lady Y P McNeice Charitable Fund
Land Transport Authority
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 21
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LAWHUB LLC
Lee Foundation
Liberty Insurance Pte Ltd
Light of Life Veterinary Clinic and Services
Dr Christina Lim Yui Hung
Linklaters Singapore Pte Ltd
Loke Yuen Kin Ruby
Lou Chaw Woon
Lou Ek Hee
M1 Limited, Singapore
Marché Restaurants International
Mellford Pte Ltd
Mark and Paula Miller
MillionaireAsia
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Social and Family Development
Molin Tutorial Centre
Morgan Stanley Singapore
Mount Pleasant Animal Clinic (East & North)
Mount Pleasant Animal Medical Centre
Dennis Mueller
Nam Sang Veterinary Clinic Pte Ltd
National Environment Agency
National Parks Board
Naturally Plus Singapore Pte Ltd
NetSuite Inc.
Ng Geok Lay
Louis Ng, ACRES
Nowhere Café LLP
NTUC FairPrice Foundation
Tueston Oh
OMD Singapore
Our Pet Shop LLP
Parkway Parade
P.A.W. Veterinary Centre
Pet Care Centre & Clinic
Pets Magazine
PHD Singapore
Pita Pit Singapore
Point Veterinary Surgery
Project PAAWS
Purina
Qoo10 Singapore
Raffles Town Club
RedMart
Reed Elsevier (Singapore)
Saint Francis Enterprise Pte Ltd
Sentosa Cove Resort Management Pte Ltd
Seshadri Krishnaswamy
Shaw Foundation Pte Ltd
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Shaw Theatres
Singapore Kennel Club
Siow Yu-Gin
Singapore Police Force
Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
Smiths Fish & Chips (Bp) Pte Ltd
SPCA Bulletin advertisers
SPCA kennel, cattery and nursery sponsors
SPCA staff and consultant veterinarians
Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Ltd
Starbucks Singapore
Syntech Chemicals Pte Ltd
Tan Chin Tuan Foundation
Tan Siew Ooa
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Taylor Stanley (Singapore) Pte Ltd
The Animal Doctors
The Barkery Singapore
The Better Toy Store
The Joyous Vet
The Straits Times Classifieds
The Wine Company
Theseus Chan
Timberland Singapore
TOBY’s The Dessert Asylum
Town Councils
TP Animal Clinic (Temasek Polytechnic)
Vet Practice Pte Ltd
Vets for Pets
VISA Worldwide Pte Ltd
Wearnes Automotive Pte Ltd
Wee Khim
West Coast Vetcare
Wild Singapore
.woodwould..
Zou Yu
SPCA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 14