Singapore’s animal shelters struggle with costs, falling adoption
Cases of animal cruelty and poor welfare have also surged, with the SPCA reporting 961 confirmed cases last year
Squinty, a seven-year-old male crossbreed, stretched his hind legs – which were covered in partially healed burn wounds – in anticipation. The canine’s energetic jaunt belied his kidney disease, which required him to take daily fluids and supplements.
The docile pooch is among many animals housed by the SPCA, requiring closer attention due to health complications. The welfare organisation told This Week in Asia it was dealing with a surge in intake of animals requiring greater care due to health or behavioural issues.
Singapore’s animal shelters have come under immense financial pressure as inflation and a slowdown from an adoption boom during the pandemic have sharply driven up operational costs.
“The unrelenting number of animals in need means we are constantly running at or near full capacity,” an SPCA spokesman told This Week in Asia.
“While we try hard to help as many animals as possible, it is unfortunately beyond our means to take in every needy animal due to our limits as a non-governmental charity.”
