PICTURES

Animal lovers join the Singapore Conversation

The first Our Singapore Conversation about animal welfare issues threw up direct calls for action, and linked treatment of animals here with the oft-mentioned notion of a gracious society.

About 50 participants gathered at Khoo Teck Puat hospital today, and raise issues ranging from the need for stricter legislation on pet breeders and traders, to how greater tolerance and a "kinder" Singapore would better both peoples' and animals' lives.

Some also called for a cabinet minister to 'champion' these issues for the community.

The session, which was facilitated by Member of Parliament Muhammed Faishal Ibrahim, drew pet-owners and animal welfare groups, as well as students from Chung Cheng High School and Yishun Junior College.

A panel set up by the government last year to review existing animal welfare legislation is expected to finalise its recommendations soon.

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