Acres launches dedicated unit to investigate crimes against animals

SINGAPORE - Wildlife rescue group Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) on Saturday launched a dedicated unit to investigate crimes against animals.

In a statement, Acres said the Animal Crime Investigation Unit will investigate animal cruelty and wildlife crime, collect evidence and prepare case briefs for Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) prosecution in court.

It will also go undercover and work with authorities to conduct sting operations, Acres said.

The unit will be headed by Ms Noelle Seet, Acres' head of campaigns, and will comprise four full-time staff members.

Ms Seet said: "Effective enforcement of the law and just sentences are key to deterring animal cruelty and wildlife crime. I am glad to lead this unit, and hope for greater public participation to bringing an end to animal cruelty and wildlife crime in Singapore"

Said Acres chief executive Louis Ng: "One of the challenges AVA has faced is the lack of or insufficient evidence in some cases of alleged animal cruelty or abuse or wildlife crime.

"We want to help gather the evidence and work with AVA to bring more offenders to task and ensure that justice is served."

The unit was launched at the 4th Chong Pang Public Forum on Animal Protection Policies, which was attended by over 200 people.

dshea@sph.com.sg

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