I refer to the article “Of animals, rights and moral agency” (ST 18 Aug). It is stated in the article that “Animals feel pain, but it is arguable whether they suffer”. In progressive countries such as Singapore, it is no longer arguable whether animals can suffer. In fact, causing an animal to suffer is a criminal act under the Singapore Law. Section 42 of the Animals and Birds Act states that subjecting, causing or permitting any unnecessary suffering to any animal is punishable by a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. Animal welfare in today’s world is a science rather than something based purely on emotions or anthropomorphism. Universities now offer Bachelor, Masters degrees and PhD programmes in animal welfare. It is no longer only activists asserting that animals are persons, but scientists, through scientific studies, are also making the same assertions. Dolphins, for example, have been declared the world’s second most intelligent creatures after humans, with scientists suggesting that they should be treated as “non-human persons”. Scientists argue that their work shows it is morally unacceptable to keep such intelligent animals in amusement parks. Behavioural studies show how dolphins have distinct personalities, a strong sense of self and can think about the future. In addition, anatomical research shows that dolphin brains have many key features associated with high intelligence. Other research has shown dolphins can solve difficult problems, while those living in the wild co-operate in ways that imply complex social structures and a high level of emotional sophistication. Dolphins are not just highly intelligent, but are also one of the most wide-ranging animals. Researchers from the University of Oxford published a paper in “Nature” stating that animals that roam over a large territory in the wild do not take kindly to being confined. They further stated that “Preventing natural behaviour patterns in animals can give rise to stress and frustration…”. The stress of capture, transport, training and captivity that the Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) wild-caught dolphins have gone through and are still going through is unimaginable, be it based on science or on purely emotional grounds. ACRES agrees with the writer Andy Ho that “we are not free to abuse animals” and we appeal to RWS to respond to public concerns and make a moral and ethical decision. The very essence of being human is being humane. Let us be humane towards these dolphins. Louis Ng Executive Director ACRES
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