SINGAPORE: More animal welfare initiatives are set to take off in Singapore, thanks to the launch of an inaugural grant.

Animal welfare projects have been handed a boost, with eight groups - majority of them youths - winning a grant of about S$1,000 each for their projects.

The Animal Protectors Grant was launched by four local groups, which comprise of an animal welfare charity and three university student organisations.

The grant aims to allow winners to focus more on their projects, instead of worrying about funding.

Executive director of Animal Concerns Research & Education Society, Louis Ng, said: "It's a really good example of active citizenry here, where today we have members of the public from all walks of life come together to fight for a common goal to make a difference to animals and the community here in Singapore."

Most of the winning ideas focus on raising awareness of illegal trading of exotic pets and sterilisation of stray dogs and cats.

One group is producing a documentary on responsible pet ownership, while another is looking into story books for children.

A member from one of the winning groups, Kevin Brandy Budiman, said: "We surveyed some audience, about 30 people. Most of them say a story book is an interesting way to educate children. And we believe by educating children, it will be more efficient - they will have the foundation to love animals."

The eight groups will present the results of their projects at the Singapore Animal Welfare Symposium in May next year.

-CNA/yt