Strays to stay HDB

A pilot programme initiated by the Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) had helped 10 stray dogs find homes in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats by mid October.

The programme, which started in April, requires dog owners to adhere to a strict set of guidelines drawn up by the Ministry of National Development and animal welfare groups. This is to prevent friction between residents that could arise from disturbances caused by household pets.

Some guidelines include:

    * Proper screening and counseling for potential adopters
    * Compliance with dog ownership regulations
    * Maintenance of a proper list of all adopters
    * Only stray dogs of up to medium size can be re-homed
    * Signing of a declaration to adhere to codes of conduct
    * Imposition of adoption fees

Medium sized strays of 15kg and below which are deemed to have an appropriate temperament for apartment living are accepted in this pilot scheme. This is a move away from current HDB regulations, which stipulate that only small or toy breeds not exceeding 40cm in height can be owned by flat-dwellers.

Non-compliance with the guidelines will result in the dog being returned to the animal welfare groups.

The proposal to rehouse stray dogs was submitted to an inter-agency task force formed in July last year. ASD and SPCA ensure that all 'Singapore Specials' - referring to local breeds - would be properly vaccinated, sterilized and micro-chipped before adoption.

Apart from the re-homing of stray dogs, then Minister of State for National Development Tan Chuan-Jin announced in November last year that stray cats will also be allowed in HDB flats to reduce the issue of strays on the streets.