80% of free-roaming dogs sterilised since introduction of neutering programme in 2018: Desmond Lee

SINGAPORE: About 80 per cent of free-roaming dogs in Singapore have been sterilised since the nationwide Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) programme was introduced, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said on Friday (Nov 10).

This exceeds the five-year target of 70 per cent, which was set when the programme was launched exactly five years ago on Nov 10, 2018.

"This target was important to ensure effective and sustainable reduction of the dog population in the longer-term," Mr Lee said in a Facebook post.

"To date, about 65 per cent of the over 4,000 dogs under the TNRM programme have been rehomed, or fostered/sheltered," he added.

"Those which cannot be rehomed or fostered/sheltered have been released to suitable locations, allowing them to live out their lives naturally."

Mr Lee said that while there are still some free-roaming dogs in neighbourhoods around Singapore, their numbers are now lower.

Since the TNRM programme was implemented, the amount of public feedback regarding the animals has declined.

"Coupled with continued outreach efforts to promote harmonious living with animals in our urban environment, public feedback on free-roaming dogs has decreased significantly by around 70 per cent since 2018," Mr Lee said.

The minister thanked animal welfare groups the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Singapore, Action for Singapore Dogs, Causes for Animals Singapore and SOSD Singapore for supporting the programme.

He also thanked the Singapore Veterinary Association and several veterinary clinics for supporting sterilisation efforts, as well as the community caregivers who care for free-roaming dogs.

Additionally, he acknowledged the work of the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) in raising the standards of animal health and welfare in Singapore.

"We must continue this important work to effectively manage the free-roaming dog population in Singapore. That is why we have extended the TNRM programme," Mr Lee said as he concluded his post.

"AVS will continue to work closely with our partners to sterilise and rehome even more of our free-roaming dogs."

Singapore's free-roaming dogs were in the news earlier this week after footage of a jogger being chased by a pack of five in Pasir Ris went viral.

In response to CNA's queries, Dr Chang Siow Foong, AVS group director of community animal management, said on Tuesday that AVS will trap and sterilise the dogs as part of the TNRM programme.