This petition is addressed to NParks.

Over a decade ago, there were many stray dogs in Singapore but one can hardly see any stray dogs these days, thanks to NParks' TNRM program. Together with various AWGs, there was active sterilization to control the population of strays (dogs and cats). The TNRM (Trap, Neuter, Release and Manage) program was set up to release the dogs back into their original habitat where they would be cared for by their dedicated caregivers. 

The TNRM is successful as we no longer see so many strays on our streets but in a way, there is adverse effect as it has led to humans becoming less tolerant and more self-entitled. Let's not forget that these strays or community animals as what we affectionately call them, occupied the land before we took their homes away to build our homes. Now the humans are asking for the stray animals to be removed!

I chanced upon the family of stray dogs at Mount Vernon Sanctuary in 2017 and I immediately started feeding them so that I could get them sterilised. It was not easy to see these dogs in broad daylight as they would be hiding in the vegetation. I would leave packets of food in a discreet corner of the columbarium at night, retuning the next morning to clear the leftovers. The dogs would only come out when it is quiet to take the food. These dogs had never bothered the humans who went to MVS. 

The dogs are shy and skittish and did not pose any threat to anyone. Only Peepu was more friendly and he would sometimes comfort the mourners with his calming presence. 

When the park was fully hoarded up for the construction of the Bidadari Park residential area, the dogs were trapped inside. Every single day, we would still throw packets of food over the hoarding for them. During the 2 years, the contractor's workers did not see the dogs although some barking was heard. This further reinforces the fact that these dogs are shy and do not wish to create any trouble or harm.

When the Bidadari Park was opened 2 months ago, the dogs had to deal with the sudden influx of strange humans into their space and naturally there was some tension which was expressed through barking. The dogs are learning to accept the humans but the humans are not doing the same. The humans want the dogs removed because the humans fear that the dogs MAY attack them. Is this how we humans, the supposedly superior species, should react towards innocent lives?

Do the mere presence and occasional barking warrant a drastic action of removal? There has been no case of actual aggression nor attack from the innocent dogs who are almost 10 years old and do not have very much time left. If the relevant government agency insists on removing the dogs that were part of its TNRM program despite no actual attacks, isn't this contradicting its policies? It makes the public doubt the agency's policies and real intentions.

Do we want to teach the younger generation to be intolerant and less compassionate of others including animals? This indirectly contradicts harmonious living. 

If Nparks insists on removing the community dogs, it is opening up the door to more of such cases. Are the community cats to be removed too? Then what about the otters, wild boars and crocodiles? 

Singapore is a first-world country and I would like to still believe that there is justice and equality. The agency should hear both sides of the story before making a decision. 

We would like to live in a country where we are making progress in every way, even in terms of animal welfare. Please leave the Bidadari dogs alone and let them live out their remaining time.