TODAYonline | Singapore | Untrained animal catchers a cause for concern

I am totally appalled when I read the article. $250 for each stray dogs brought in? I agree with some readers here that the money would be better use to sterilise the pets! And AVA can have the cheek to say that there are no trained or proper procedures in capturing the animals. Coming from a government body who's mission is to "ensure the health & safeguard the welfare of animal", it is preposterous to say that no structure is in place. And what exactly does the External dog catchers have to comply with AVA's so called guidelines for capture, handling and transportation of animals & the use of animal traps? Using fishing lines & hooks? This is most unhumane and I cannot fathom the suffering, fear & pain the animals go through each time such unethical and inhumane ways are used to capture them. Can AVA please clarify these points? What is the use of being a government body with mission statements that is totally opposite of what the company practices? If this goes on, animal welfare groups will be more hard pressed to care & protect our furry animals more than ever before. Why can't AVA partner with the animal welfare groups to work out a solution instead of culling them? I read with sadness that 95% of the 1,800 animals dogs/cats caught have to be euthanized annually. I strongly urged AVA to re-look at their policies or structure of animal culling to prevent more deaths in the unprofessional way these so called dog catcher uses. We will be watching.