HDB policy denies many strays a home

I read with mixed feelings the article, ‘Wanted: Homes abroad for strays’ (Aug23).

I am impressed by the lengths Action for Singapore Dogs goes to rehome the strays. But I feel sad that we end up in this situation because of difficulty in finding homes for these strays locally.

What does this say about us as a nation?

The Housing Board’s policy on dog ownership in HDB homes could be a main factor contributing to this situation.

Basically, the rules allow only small and medium-sized dogs to be housed in HDB flats. This denies mongrels and larger breeds a chance of being adopted by HDB dwellers.

As most of our population live in such flats, the prospect of these bigger dogs finding a home is thus slim.

Those who can take them in are private property dwellers. But would they adopt a mongrel? Many would prefer to buy a pedigree dog.

Also, considering that a high percentage of dogs abandoned in recent years are pedigree dogs, the chances of mongrels finding a home are indeed very bleak.

Besides education on responsible pet ownership, we need the HDB to be open to discussions with animal welfare groups on the relevancy of its policy.

Tong Jee Cheng (Ms)

Source : Straits Times – 20 Sep 2009