The Straits Times

As we usher in the Year of the Goat, certain places have reportedly asked for live goats to grace their Lunar New Year events, in a bid to add to the festive mood. (See today’s (15 Feb 2015) article in The Sunday Times’ Life, page 4)

We thank the Sunday Times for printing our stand, on this practice, as follows:

“The SPCA does not subscribe to the idea of farm animals – like live goats – being transported in the heat, and brought to crowded or noisy places for the purpose of display and close public interaction. This, understandably, would be quite stressful for the goats.�

In addition, the SPCA is of the view, that the following important information should also be conveyed for the benefit of the general public and SPCA FB followers:-

There is the public safety angle to consider as well, because goats can retaliate if they do not wish to be patted. If display and interaction with the animals are approved of by the relevant authorities, there should be an area where the goats can retreat to if they have had enough interaction. A ready water supply must also be available at all times for the animals.

A case in point is that of previous exhibitions displaying rabbits (during the Year of the Rabbit) at shopping centres, which drew negative reactions from the public, resulting in several complaints to the SPCA, concerning the stressful conditions of the rabbits.

We hope:

- members of the public can put the welfare of the goats first, and the Year of the Goat can best be celebrated by upholding the goats’ welfare; and

- in the event that any animal exhibitions do proceed, the public will be our watchful eyes and ears, and report any instance of animal distress by alerting us.

Please call our 24-hour emergency hotline at 62875355 ext 9 and e-mail us at inspector@spca.org.sg with any photographic evidence.

(The relevant Sunday Times, Life, article can be accessed by Premium Subscribers at:

http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/lifestyle/story/live-goats-festive-events-20150215)



The Straits Times Interactive – Singapore news. Find the latest news reports here.

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/lifestyle/story/live-goa..

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SPCA Singapore

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA Singapore) is the first registered animal welfare organisation in Singapore. The two main objectives of SPCA Singapore are: to promote kindness to animals and birds, and to prevent cruelty to animals and birds.

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