The programme will see a registry of caregivers and cats being created for each of the four pilot areas. Educational posters will be put up and designated feeding stations will be indicated. The posters will inform residents on how to feed community cats responsibly. These measures are solutions proposed based on experience and on research on community cat management techniques and the public’s response tocommunity cats.

Local studies suggest that when cats are fed at off-peak hours and away from foot traffic, complaints may be reduced. (Mei Ailian, National University of Singapore (NUS), “Peak activity and home range of community cats in a mature TNRM estate”) Another NUS study showed that feeding stations needed to be sufficiently spaced apart so that cats did not have to encroach on each other’s territories to eat, thus reducing their stress level. Researchers also found that availability of food correlated to how aggressive or social the cats were. The more food was available, the more social the cats were.

Caregivers play a pivotal role by making sure that feeding stations are tidy and waste is not allowed to accumulate. When cats get used to a regular routine and feeding time, they will not approach other people seeking food, roam excessively to find food, or invade another feline’s territory to feed. As part of the SCSP, the NEA is allowing water bowls to be kept at designated feeding stations, provided the water is changed twice daily and not allowed to stagnate.

The SCSP aims to take a more natural and holistic view of our neighbourhoods and by promoting responsible caregiving practices, we can be sure that our feline friends’ well-being is taken seriously.
— Adrienne Urbanec, summarised by Thenuga Vijakumar and Veron Lau

The caregivers now share resources like carriers and cat traps, and knowledge, such as medical care and mediation tips. “Recently, there was a complaint about a cat hanging around,” Clare narrates. “The management simply chose the easiest way to solve the issue: loan a terrible cat trap from AVA. I was horrified to see the cat trap! I sought advice from Nebisa and Yoke Wah, who suggested I send out flyers to see if this cat belonged to anyone, and also speak to the management. It worked! The owner contacted me, we met up, and we worked out a way to prevent her cats from escaping. The management was also happy that someone stepped in to solve the issue”.

More importantly, they provide each other with valuable support. Clare recalls feeling “extremely guilty” when a female pregnant cat she had sent for sterilisation passed away during the operation. “Without the support of [the other caregivers], I would probably be soaked in depression for a long time.”

Teamwork has certainly enabled the caregivers to resolve issues faster and more easily. “Hundreds of street cats have been sterilised and all complaint cases have been resolved,” says Michelle, when asked what she considered the best achievement of the West network. “A good relationship with MPs like Mr Cedric Foo has been forged”.

“I still think it’s amazing how we all met and [how we] pull together to help each other as and when we could,” says Nebisa.

“With more hands and brains, we can do and achieve more. Of course, it is always more fun doing things together,” Clare adds. — Micah Sulit

This pilot stage of the programme is accompanied by a four-month review by a joint-agency task force led by the Ministry of National Development (MND) on pet ownership and stray management policies.

CWS has presented our proposal on humane solutions to cat-related issues in our community to the task force, as well as engaged Town Councils of the four constituencies in improving the cooperation between officers and caregivers in resolving complaints. A summary of our proposal can be found on our website. You are encouraged to write in directly to MND’s online feedback portal to lend a voice to the cause.

At this critical stage, Chong Pang residents’ feedback from our month-long door-to-door survey will play a big role in pushing for the comprehensive roll-out of the programme island-wide. The results have been encouraging so far.

We have ONE MORE weekend left to complete this exercise and send our results to MND. There will be two more rounds of survey on Saturday & Sunday, 20 & 21 August, from 11 am to 7 pm. Please join us if you can.

Please email Phyllis Tan your availability this weekend.

The first training session for caregivers and volunteers in the Chong Pang Animal Welfare Programme was held on 9 July at the Chong Pang CC Auditorium. CWS Vice-President Veron Lau laid out the rubrics of the programme, explaining the importance of responsible feeding and the need for effective resolution of cat-related complaints to ensure a harmonious community.

Deirdre Moss and Jaipal Gill from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals spoke about animal abuse. Gill drew the audience’s attention to the various laws related to animal cruelty and explained the sort of evidences one should collect to aid investigations. Cohen Ng from Mutts & Mittens Foundation then provided a checklist of the items required for trapping cats, demonstrating how to use a humane cat trap and net. The session concluded with a call for volunteers in the area. — Thenuga Vijakumar

Presentation slides of the training and information about the Chong Pang Animal Welfare Programme can be found here.

Book Launch: The Beautiful and the Vanishing