The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) thanks Mr Darren Chan Keng Leong for speaking up against animal cruelty and on the need for such cases to be fully investigated and firmly dealt with ("Investigate animal abuse cases fully"; last Friday).

We agree animal cruelty cases are difficult to solve, owing to a lack of evidence and eyewitnesses.

In the recent case involving two mutilated kittens, unless there are witnesses who are prepared to step forward to testify in court, the perpetrator(s) will go unpunished.

Recognising community feeders and instituting volunteer patrols, in addition to educating the public about timely reporting of acts of suspected animal abuse, are steps towards combating such acts of violence. This, together with strong investigative actions and necessary enforcement by the authorities, can hopefully improve the situation, so that cruel acts against defenceless animals can be deterred.

The SPCA will continue its education efforts against animal cruelty, lobby to strengthen animal protection laws and assist in investigations, including offering rewards for information on cases.

Still, the law is only as good as its enforcement, and the public's help is needed too, by reporting animal abuse when they witness it, by calling our emergency hotline on 6287-5355 (extension 9).

I also invite Mr Chan and any person interested in helping with our outreach efforts to contact volunteer@spca.org.sg

Corinne Fong (Ms)
Executive Director
SPCA