My dog, Milky
I happened to come across this article (30th April 2010) in the Channel NewsAsia website which had bought my attention. The link for this source is http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/lifestylenews/view/1053542/1/.html
I decided to use this article as a source of social issues on current affairs is because Singapore also has organizations such as Action For Singapore Dogs, SPCA etc. It is really disheartening to see thousands of healthy stray dogs are put to sleep every year, due to lack of space, resources and non acceptance by the majority of society. In SPCA, the organization has received approximately 700 unwanted pets and stray animals every month. SPCA is on the receiving end of the disposal of pets in Singapore. Each day, pet owners find excuses not to keep their pets. The hard truth is there are too many pets on sale encouraging and tempting impulse buyers. Hence, this has bought awareness to Singaporeans and concern to the government to do something to avail this situation.
Whenever movies such as 'Marley and Me' and 'Hotel for Dogs' are screened in cinemas, there will be a high demand for Golden Retrievers in pet shops. Hence, major cinema operators help spread awareness against impulse buying. The objective is to caution patrons against being tempted to buy cute dogs similar to those featured in the movie. These people are buying impulsively, without considering factors of owning one. Many say that they do not have time, but owning a dog is a commitment which takes time, patience and not forgetting the financial costs involved. After dog owners are tired of it, they get rid of it by putting them to organizations. It is really saddening to see abandoned dogs barking and jumping to crave for attention of their potential adopters and appreciating the second chance that they are given after being adopted.
As dogs are loyal to their family owners, they cannot do anything but to accept the reality that the family no longer wants him. This may pose behavioural problem such as fearfulness in them. Thus there is a need to educate the public by raising their awareness. There are educational seminars for dog owners from Singapore Kennel Club. Irresponsible owners can be traced and enforcement action taken against them. Every new dog from pet stores has a micro-chip on them, which is a safe identification system that can help lost pets be returned instead of being put to sleep unnecessarily.
On a lighter note, there are caring pet owners who bother to bring their pet for training, grooming, buy vitamins for them and to the vet if their dogs are not feeling well. I own a maltese breed at home, her name is Milky. Our family loves her and I hope this article will raise awareness of the public. I urge everyone who is considering to adopt a pet not to buy impulsively, and be a responsible owner.
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