I refer to the report headlined 'SPCA to stop killing healthy pets' (South China Morning Post, January 2), which requires clarification.
The issue of the killing of healthy animals which are abandoned at our doors has been discussed at all levels of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for years. As the numbers of abandoned animals have escalated, with more than 1,000 animals being accepted a month, society members have raised their concerns through the Executive Committee. Therefore, attempts have been made to find a solution to the problem of overpopulation rather than dealing with the result of the problem, euthanasia.
The society, being a humane institution, believes that euthanasia is not the answer. The problem of animal overpopulation is caused by irresponsible owners and, as such, it is here where it should concentrate its efforts.
Two messages have to be reinforced - that a pet is for life and not a disposable commodity, and that animals must be de-sexed to prevent unwanted additional births. Finally, owners and potential owners must understand fully the responsibilities that come with ownership.
The move by the society to stop the killing of unwanted, healthy companion animals, is a move to put the onus for animal welfare back on the community. The objective of achieving a city where no healthy animals are 'put to sleep' can only be achieved with the concerted efforts of the community as a whole, including the society, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, other animal welfare organisations, private veterinary surgeons and the public at large.
Contrary to the impression readers might get from your report, as yet there is no timetable for the implementation of this complex initiative.
