Stray dogs may pose a danger to the public, especially in packs. They may also spread diseases such as rabies (a fatal viral disease that can be passed to humans through the saliva or bite of an infected animal).

AVA has thus been working closely with animal welfare groups and veterinarians on a five-year Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage programme to better manage the stray dog population in Singapore.

Slated to begin in the second half of this year, the Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage programme will involve humanely catching stray dogs and sterilising them. Efforts will be made to rehome as many of the sterilised animals as possible, and those that cannot be rehomed will be released at suitable locations to live out their lives naturally.

The programme has received strong support from several animal welfare groups and from the veterinary community. AVA has been engaging with these stakeholders since June 2017 to seek their feedback and suggestions on the initiative, and 11 animal welfare groups will play crucial supportive and facilitative roles in the implementation of this programme.

“This nationwide Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage effort is a game-changer for street dogs in Singapore, and we are thrilled that this is happening. We are very pleased to see so many stakeholders, including the government, animal welfare groups, and veterinarians coming together with a shared vision and approach to humanely reduce the street dog population,” said Dr Jaipal Singh Gill, Executive Director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Dr Siew Tuck Wah, President of SOSD, also expressed his support for the programme: “In Singapore, various animal welfare groups have carried out sterilisation of stray dogs over the past 30 years, but there has not been a concerted, large-scale effort like this one before. We believe that this will be the turning point for stray animal management in Singapore. This effort proves that our society is evolving into a more compassionate, kinder one which cares not only for its human residents but for its animals as well. We cannot be more excited and more grateful for this initiative!”

Animal welfare groups or members of the public who wish to participate in the programme can contact AVA at 1800-476-1600.

• Action for Singapore Dogs
• Animal Lovers League
• Causes for Animals
• Exclusively Mongrels
• Mercylight
• Noah's Ark CARES
• Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter
• Purely Adoptions
• SOSD
• Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Voices for Animals