Desmond Lee

OFFICIAL LAUNCH FOR TNRM PROGRAMME

We are delighted to share that on 10 November 2018, Minister Desmond Lee officially launched the nationwide Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) Programme. This marks a significant milestone for animal welfare in Singapore as this programme is a first of its kind, and is something which SPCA has always advocated for – humane population management of community animals.

As the lead animal welfare group for the TNRM Programme, the SPCA will work closely with Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), animal welfare groups, independent rescuers and all other stakeholders involved to ensure the success of this important initiative, and to help save lives!



<>A few years ago, huddled at the back of a bus during a site visit, a few representatives of our Animal Welfare Groups, AVA and I sketched out some initial ideas on a piece of paper on how to work together to better improve the situation of the stray dog population in Singapore. Over the years, we implemented the ideas piece by piece, including mandatory micro-chipping, better coordination and training, and so on. Over the years, there have been ups and downs.Yesterday afternoon, we finally launched one of the bigger ideas : a nationwide Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) programme. This is a more humane, scientific and community partnership-based approach that would address concerns over animal welfare, public health and public safety. TNRM involves the humane catching of stray dogs followed by sterilisation. After sterilisation, the priority will be to rehome as many Singapore Specials as possible, where they will have shelter, food and vet care provided by their new owners. Others will be released in safe areas.SPCA will be the lead AWG to partner AVA to coordinate these efforts. The programme will be implemented in phases. We will first provide more support to our AWG’s existing TNRM initiatives. AVA will fund AWGs’ costs for pre- and post-surgical boarding, vaccination and sterilisation of TNRM dogs. Next year, SPCA will also be able to provide sterilisation services at their clinic when they are completed, as well as a central pool of professional trappers that the AWGs can tap on.People’s reactions to stray animals vary widely, from very positive to very negative. To address these wide ranging concerns, we established a working group some year back comprising AWGs, relevant agencies, community groups, and resident representatives so that people’s diverse voices and opinions are all heard, and win-win solutions can be worked out. Whether it’s worries over human-animal conflict, or other potentially polarizing issues, there is value in trying out new ways of engagement and discourse in Singapore.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/desmondtslee/photos/a.1279129485431..

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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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