Yahoo! Singapore Answers blog

I’ve always been fascinated by animals. When I was a child, I’d insist on visiting the zoos in the different countries we’ve traveled to (I know, spoiled brat). And now that I’m older, I still enjoy a trip to the zoo, but I mostly watch the animals from the comfort of my home, in front of the television (I know, couch potato. Ha!).

Animals are a fascinating lot. In Darwin’s theory of natural selection (and eventually of evolution), he believes that each species will continue to morph slightly in the fight for survival. This strong instinct for survival can be found in all of us, be it humans or animals. But while humans fight for survival with our intelligence and tools, animals fight with their “natural” skills. Besides their sharp teeth, tough hides and even the speed of flight, they are also very good at camouflaging themselves! And this perfect camouflage will determine whether they are the hunter or the prey.

(Photo thanks to wwarby)

Did you know for example why zebras have stripes? Firstly it is to blend with the tall grass around it (don’t worry, the lions are colour blind, so it doesn’t matter that the stripes are black and white). Secondly, when you have a whole herd of striped zebras hanging around the same spot, it’s hard to differentiate one from another.

Many of us also know that Steve Irwin (famous host of an animal television show) died from a stingray attack. But how many of you know that stingrays are actually not aggressive, but would rather bury themselves in the sand to hide from predators?

If you are interested to know more about the different animals in the world, feel free to pay a visit to the zoology category on Answers. See you there!

Days at the SPCA are always eventful (no two days are ever the same believe me!) – animals are always coming in to our shelter daily – on average around 25 per day – pets that are lost (mainly lost dogs – about 100 per month), given up or abandoned, including dogs, cats, hamsters and rabbits. We also accept strays (but we don’t go catching healthy stray dogs and cats – we would rather leave them in the environment if they have a food source and can survive).

Wild animals that are injured are also attended to on our emergency rescue cases – a couple of weeks ago we rescued a pangolin from a drain in Yishun after someone had reported to us that it was in distress. After a vet check at the SPCA we made arrangements with the National Parks Board to have the animal released back into a nature reserve.

Our Inspector is kept busy receiving between 60 to 80 complaints of alleged animal abuse each month. At least a third of these cases relate to dogs being tied up or caged for most of the day. One wonders why people buy these animals in the first place, only to confine them (imagine what it would be like for us humans if we had to spend most of our life in confinement, with no entertainment whatsoever – not even regular exercise!). Extreme cases of abuse where people deliberately harm or kill an animal, occur from time to time, but sometimes there are no witnesses to the crime. It is important for people who see an act of animal abuse to report it to the police and the SPCA at 62875355 – you may have to testify in court otherwise action cannot be taken. You can visit our website www.spca.org.sg to see some of the cases reported to us. You can help us spread the message to STOP ANIMAL ABUSE by downloading our banners and sending to your friends.

And if you buy a pet, remember that it is a lifetime of commitment – SPCA is always receiving pets that people have no time for anymore – we receive so many unwanted pets that we have to put animals to sleep daily – we receive around 700 animals per month, but only 85 animals on average are adopted each month. Why is this you may ask? SPCA has to compete with many pet shops and pet farms for homes – there is too much commercial breeding with no limits or restrictions places by the authorities. People also buy pets for the wrong reasons on the spur of the moment because the animals are cute and adorable – but have no knowledge on how to take care of them. Animals have feelings too – they can feel pain, suffering and isolation. Our advice is therefore – think twice before you buy.

When we see people coming in to our counter to give up a pet, we try to change their minds by asking them to take back the animal and look for a home themselves, because we have too many to find homes for – if every pet owner were to do this, the SPCA would be able to focus more on the prevention of cruelty to animals which is why the organisation was founded.

In the media nowadays we are always seeing opposing views – those who like animals, those who do not – Singapore is a city where people live in close proximity to each other – pet owners need to consider their neighbours and not let their pets stray or make a mess in public without cleaning it up – such unthinking acts cause people to be anti-pets and strays. Sterilising pets is also important as it prevents them from breeding and is healthier for them – it not only prevents them from getting cancer related illnesses in their reproductive organs later in life, but it helps eradicate noise pollution caused by mating calls.

On that note, it is so long for now and remember to “BE KIND TO ANIMALS”.

Singapore Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)

George Eliot, an English novelist during the Victorian Era once said, “Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” It is very true, animals, especially household pets, will give you unconditional love. All they need is a home, food and some of your time and love. Studies have shown that having pets is actually very beneficial for our health! When we spend time petting and playing with them, the stresses of the day just falls away and they will put a smile on our faces.

My friend’s pet rabbit loves to have her chin scratched!

But it’s not easy taking care of a pet. Most animals (especially dogs, cats and rabbits) live for about 10 years or more, and animals are like humans, they also get old, fall sick, and even have health problems such as diabetes and cancer! And like humans, we can’t just abandon them when they fall sick or if we get bored with them.

There are lots to learn about caring for our pets and so we’ve brought on board with us at Yahoo! Singapore Answers, the Singapore SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). They have recently joined the community and will be answering some of the questions in the Pets category. If you have any questions about pet-care or adoption of animals in Singapore, do ask on Answers!

Adopt me!