Animal Lovers League working out plan to pay up rent and scale back activities

Trouble-plagued animal rescue group Animal Lovers League (ALL) says it is working out a plan to pay up more than 50 months of unpaid rent to the authorities as it scales back its activities.

- Judith Tan

The National Parks Board as well as other rescue groups have offered to care for about 170 dogs and cats under its charge, many of them sick and old.

ALL's two founders, Mr Mohan Div and Mrs Cathy Strong, said they were unable to raise the funds to pay $500,000 in rent arrears, as well as veterinary fees, resulting in the facility having to give up its premises at The Animal Lodge.

The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), which oversees the lodge in Sungei Tengah, near Choa Chu Kang, said on Dec 8 that ALL must return the eight units it occupies. No deadline has been set.

Following complaints by ALL volunteers, AVS inspectors found that several of the animals were sick and not receiving prompt or adequate veterinary attention. Many animals were showing signs of fear, anxiety and stress.

The rescue group, a registered charity, is also being investigated by the Commissioner of Charities.

Breaking their silence for the first time since losing the lease, the co-founders told media that despite all efforts, the lack of public donations had made it impossible for them to dig themselves out of the growing hole.

They said an increasing number of people leaving their old and sick pets at ALL after the Covid-19 pandemic had only worsened the situation.

Mr Mohan said: "Vet bills are too high and many of the dogs and cats at ALL are old and sick. We will care for them palliatively as we are a no-kill shelter."

The co-founders thanked other animal welfare groups which came forward to help by taking over some of the animals and providing food for those still at the shelter.

ALL had came under criticism for allowing the situation to deteriorate, but there have been voices of support too.

Other animal rescue groups have praised ALL for its selfless, tireless dedication to animal welfare in Singapore over the years.