Opinion | As Singapore lifts cat ban in public housing, Hong Kong should do same for dogs
- The ban on pet dogs in public housing estates is inconsistent with the government’s pet-friendly policies – Singapore’s example shows how a balance can be achieved
Just two weeks ago, I attended my son’s open class at his kindergarten. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by how these five-year-olds were being taught about the responsibilities – yes, responsibilities – of caring for a pet.
Apparently, they have been learning all about keeping pets in Hong Kong, complete with a workshop conducted by the Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department. The children were taught that they had to take dogs for walks, play with and groom them, take them to the veterinary surgeon, get them neutered and provide food and shelter.
My son loves animals but we haven’t been able to keep a pet at home – we live in a residential complex where pets are not allowed. However, we have neighbours who have secretly kept pets for years, and it has been no problem at all. Our next-door neighbour has had my son over to play with their cat since he could walk.
Now that we are ready to get a cuddly new member of the family, we are faced with a dilemma: do we move or do as many neighbours have done – flout the rules and risk being caught and told to get rid of our pet?
But while some government departments are promoting animal adoption and educating the public on respecting and loving animals, or opening more pet-friendly spaces, the pet-keeping restrictions in public housing estates and subsidised housing – introduced in 2003 after the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) outbreak – are inconsistent with the government’s pet-friendly policies.