Strict rules for HDB residents adopting dogs

[ruu]

Project Adore (ADOption and REhoming of dogs) was made permanent by the Ministry of National Development on May 28 last year. First mooted by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) in 2011, it allows HDB flat owners to adopt local mixed breed dogs that do not exceed 15kg in weight or 50cm in height.

Stringent criteria apply, namely, that adopters are restricted to only one dog per HDB household, that they are properly screened and counselled by the SPCA or ASD, and that they pass the pertinent home assessment test to determine the suitability of the dog to the adopter and his home environment.

The SPCA recognises the high-density living conditions of HDB home owners, and takes pains to ensure the right-sized mixed breeds are adopted in such households. Adopters must enrol and pay for compulsory basic obedience training classes they are to attend with their adopted dogs, and sign a declaration to observe the code of responsible conduct.

They must also note the sensitivities of their neighbours, the environment and proper dog-handling techniques. For that matter, they are urged to inform their neighbours about their plans to adopt a dog.

All adopted dogs must also undergo a thorough health check and be vaccinated, sterilised and micro-chipped, as well as licensed and registered with the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority.

Besides meeting height and weight requirements, the Project Adore dogs should have suitable temperaments. HDB residents looking to adopt a dog under Project Adore can call the SPCA's hotline on 6287-5355 (ext 24).

The SPCA assures Mr Singh that community - that is, "stray" and not domesticated - animals are often cared for and responsibly fed by their feeders and caregivers.

We collaborate with the feeders to get the animals trapped for their sterilisation and then release, and have, since 1991, facilitated the sterilisation of more than 30,000 community cats and dogs, including about 1,700 over the past year. Sterilised community animals are far less likely to caterwaul and fight.

We maintain that sterilisation is more humane and effective in stabilising Singapore's population of community animals, and are against culling. Sterilisation will enable their numbers to decrease over time, so long as owners do not add to that number by abandoning their pets.

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