SPCA and Acres Recommend Ways to Strengthen Animal Protection

Policy suggestions span several focus areas, including boosting existing legislation

- Angelica Ang

More than 40 cats were left abandoned in a rental flat in Ang Mo Kio in 2023, long after its occupants had moved out.

Despite attempts by animal welfare organisations such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to step in, the cats' previous owner refused to cooperate, even taping up the flat's window louvres to prevent entry.

The SPCA, too, lacked the enforcement powers to forcefully seize the cats. To date, though 14 cats have been rehomed, it remains unclear if the others have received veterinary care or found new homes.

Cases like this show why it is crucial to strengthen the powers of animal welfare groups during rescue operations, said Mr Walter Leong, the SPCA's newly minted executive director, who joined the organisation in July.

This is one of 15 recommendations included in a joint White Paper released on Aug 26 by the SPCA and wildlife rescue group Acres. The White Paper seeks to strengthen protections to safeguard animal welfare and is a first for both non-profit organisations.

The idea for the White Paper was first broached in 2024 by former Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng at a forum on animal protection policies. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, who was then also Law Minister, was at the event too.