News Clipping – Couple fined for smuggling 7 puppies

Source: http://heartlanderdogs.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/news-clipping-couple-fined-for-smuggling-7-puppies/

Rare breeds growing on dog lovers here

By Gerrard Lai

THEY are not your average pedigree pooches on leashes that you see on the street.

Rare dog breeds – such as Alaskan Klee Kais, Salukis and greyhounds – are slowly becoming a hit with professionals, who choose them as pets for their unique looks and temperaments. They come with hefty price tags, too, with some going for as much as $8,000.

Pet’s Station chief executive Alex Chua said that rare breeds command a higher price, and not all Singaporeans are willing to pay for them.

Three proud owners of rare breeds said their hearts overruled their wallets in their decisions to buy their canine companions.

One owner, executive film producer Calvin Tan, 50, has a four-year-old Alaskan Klee Kai, which he bought when it was a puppy. The breed, prized for its rarity, is a miniature version of the Alaskan husky.

Singapore's most popular dog breeds Click on thumbnail to view (Photos: AFP, ST, TNP, The Nation)
For more photos, click here.

He said: “I fell in love with it immediately and bought it. It was fated.”

The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed in the 1970s by a breed developer in the United States, and was officially recognised by the American Rare Breed Association in 1995.

Administrative executive Carole Teo, 35, said she chose the Saluki as she has two children, aged five and 10. Of the five such dogs she now owns, she said: “The dog must be generally kid-friendly and not aggressive.”

She first encountered the Saluki – and was struck by its beauty – while flipping through a book on dog breeds.

While strutting with a prized pooch might turn heads, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals executive director Deirdre Moss stressed that commitment to look after the dog should be paramount.

She said: “Many buy dogs not only on impulse, but also due to a breed’s novelty. They should be aware that some dogs may require more care.”

Veterinarian Nandini Mudeliar, 30, told my paper that individual breeds have their peculiarities.

For instance, deep-chested dog breeds like the greyhound are prone to suffering from twisted intestines. She added that huskies, which are native to cold climates, need to be taken on walks in the evenings – when it is cooler – so that their tolerance for heat can be built up slowly.

Those who want to import pets from abroad are required to first obtain an import licence from the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority “within 30 days prior” to their pets’ arrival.

Source:http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110414-273542.html

Us at night

Like master, like dog

By Marie Lim

SHE came as the character Alice from Lewis Caroll's Alice In Wonderland and her schnauzer was dressed up as a miniature Mad Hatter. Her husband and his Scottish terrier came decked out in matching red kilts.

Ms Tracy Wee, 29, and Dr Chris Lim, 40, were among the 15 animal lovers who took part in the "Two Of A Kind" contest at East Coast Park on Sunday where pet owners and pets dressed up in matching outfits. The contest was one of five held as part of the annual Pets Corner Event organised by CATS, a part of the marketing division of Singapore Press Holdings.

Said Dr Lim: "It's a fun event. We like to dress up and see other contestants' outfits.

"It's also a day out for the dogs, with some excitement thrown in."

Although the contest was open to all kinds of pets, all the contestants turned up with dogs. There was a cowgirl, Snow White and a bumblebee, all with their dogs in matching costumes. Dr Lim said he and his wife have more than 100 outfits - which cost between $20 and $100 each - for their dogs.

"They are living things too. It's just like spending money on ourselves," he said.

"They don't leave home without some clothes on."

Ms Wee, a freelance graphic designer, eventually won third prize in the contest, walking away with a $150 pet shop voucher, a bronze medal and a goodie bag. This year marks the third time the couple have participated in this annual event.

Their dogs take part in about four contests each year but they are not all about beauty. One of the contests the dogs took part in was to pick the one that could eat the fastest.

Dr Lim, who has four dogs, four guinea pigs and three rabbits, said he won a prize last year: "My guinea pig was dressed as a character from G-Force."

The theme of that contest was Super Heroes By The Beach. Ms Tay Aisan, a housewife in her 30s, won the second prize on Sunday.

She and her dog won $100 cash, a $50 pet shop voucher, a silver medal and a goodie bag. Ms Gayathiri, a 20-year-old vet nurse, and her Shetland shepherd bagged the top prize comprising $200 cash and a gold medal along with the $50 voucher and the goodie bag.

Ms Tay and her two-year-old Italian greyhound, Charlotte, wore identical Snow White costumes. She had bought the US$20 (S$25) costume for Charlotte while she was living in the US, but had to hand-make her own outfit.

"I bought the base and sewed on the patterns. You can see up close the stitching isn't very well done," she said with a laugh.

Exciting

While she was slightly embarrassed about her get-up, she was excited about participating in the event.

"There are not many outlets for dogs. It's good for people to come to these events to learn about the different breeds and socialise with the dogs," she said.

The event was a must-go for dog lover Debbie Mok, 40. Never mind that her nine-year-old pomeranian, Trouble, had trouble getting around. The dog had a slipped disc over the Chinese New Year and needed wheels attached to its hind legs to aid its movement.

Ms Mok, an executive in the recycling industry, said: "I brought him here because he loves to be out at the beach. For the past five or six years, we would go to Sentosa every Saturday. I had to stop taking him after he got injured.

"Trouble and I are best friends."

Apart from the contests, there were also more than 20 booths manned by pet merchants and animal welfare organisations offering everything from pet food to pet insurance.

Source: http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110329-270749.html

Top 10 Cat-Friendly Small Dogs

Lions and lambs. Birds and worms. Dogs and cats. There are some combinations of animals, which left to their own devices, just don't mix. This is especially true if both species like to lounge in your living room. (Hopefully you've realized we're zeroing in on dogs and cats here, and don't have a roaring/bleating situation on your hands.)

After all, it's only natural that dogs chase cats, right? Not necessarily. With proper socialization, dogs and cats can live in harmony. In fact, they may even become what we'd consider "friends." Still, it pays to stack the odds in your favor, so we've put together a line-up of "most likely to succeed" dogs. Which breeds made our top 10? Find out, beginning on the next page.

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10: Pomeranian

They may look like little balls of fur, but Pomeranians are 3 to 7 pounds (1.36 to 3 kilograms) of sheer confidence -- a trait that makes them well equipped to befriend an equally cocky cat. The Pomeranian's ancestors were once four times the breed's current standard size and were used primarily to herd sheep or pull sleds. Today, the diminutive breed is known for its loyal, active personality with the intelligence to match. This is a combination that easily takes to training -- especially positive reinforcement -- and just one of several reasons the breed made our cat-friendly list. The Pomeranian (whose coat can be any color or pattern, but seems to most often sport orange or red) is an ideal small dog to have as a cat's housemate. Even if the two don't become fast friends, the Pom can be trained to offer companionable respect. Now that's a match made in heaven.

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9: Shih Tzu

How could a cat not love these dogs? We sure do. Shih Tzus are tranquil, devoted and highly adaptable. But don't mistake these dogs for proverbial doormats. Their personalities outmatch their diminutive size and they have a persistent arrogant streak that may require extra time and attention -- especially if your goal is peace between Shih Tzus and cats. Shih Tzus respond well to metered discipline, especially when it's consistent and applied to even small infractions (this saves a lot of trouble down the road because it prevents little problems from becoming nasty little habits). With training, they develop a mutual understanding and respect with a feline companion. Plus, at just 9 to 16 pounds (4 to 7 kilograms), your cat may end up being the larger of the two.

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8: Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a big dog in a little package. These up to 6-pound (2.7-kilogram) dynamos are confident, self-reliant and likely to challenge a dog four times their size. Fortunately, even with their terrier-like attitudes, Chihuahuas make good companions for felines. As anyone who has ever watched a Chihuahua and cat become friends must surely know, the two seem to enjoy sharing the same space -- and will even curl up together for a nap. As with most dogs, it's best if a Chihuahua and cat are introduced while still young, preferably before their first birthdays. Even if your Chihuahua is older, he could still be trained to respect a cat rather than give chase. Just make sure the cat does the same. A Chihuahua can weigh as little as 2 pounds (.9 kilograms); the cat may just tower over him.

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7: Maltese

The Maltese is undeniably good-looking. She has silky white hair that if not trimmed flows to the floor, a charming little face accentuated by dark, expressive eyes and a black button nose. Weighing about 6 pounds (2.72 kilograms), the Maltese makes a perfect lapdog. But these aren't the only reasons she's on our cat-friendly list. The Maltese is a smart little dog that loves to please, and this makes her a fast learner (so even if your cat can't figure out that running away will make just about any dog give chase, the Maltese can be trained to take the high road). Plus, the Maltese is quite gentle-mannered in the first place, allowing her to become a companion -- rather than a threat -- to equally beloved felines. It's a win/win situation.

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6: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These dogs seem like the very definition of "lap dog." The Cavalier King Charles spaniel, a member of the English toy spaniel breed, evolved from similar dogs favored by English royalty -- especially King Charles II, who reigned in the 17th century. He always had a spaniel by his side (and even decreed they be allowed in public places, like Parliament). It's no wonder the breed bears his name. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel (or Cav) is quick to learn tricks, obey its human companion and cuddle with anyone who sits still for even a moment. Cat lovers will be especially pleased to discover the Cav has a penchant for smaller creatures. These spaniels weigh only 13 to 18 pounds (5.8 to 8.1 kilograms) and easily bow to the wishes of a household cat if introduced to this long-tailed leader as a puppy. Although the Cav and reigning cat often develop a mutual respect, it's not uncommon to find the two playing, particularly if the cat is an outgoing and good-natured creature.

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5: Boston Terrier

These lively dogs can be trained to give a cat ample space. That's just one reason the Boston terrier, also known as the "all-American dog" is one of our top cat-friendly picks. These intelligent dogs with distinctive black-and-white markings weigh anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds (4.5 to 11.3 kilograms) and are easy to train, in large part because of their intelligence and determination. As the name suggests, this breed was developed in Boston, Mass., following the Civil War as a fighting dog. By 1891, it officially became known as the Boston terrier. Most cats, however, simply know them as "buddy."

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4: Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is an elegant dog that's just 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) tall at the shoulder, bringing him eye-to-eye with many cats. The largely hairless dogs (except for a long crest on the neck and head, the lower legs and tail) are soft and smooth to the touch. A variation, known as the "powderpuff," features an allover coat of soft, straight hair. What cat lovers may appreciate most about the Chinese Crested, however, is his loving, playful personality. One that's just right for living with a cat or two. In fact, because the Chinese Crested can sometimes be naturally timid, it may just be the cat you have to watch out for. Generally, though, the Chinese Crested will befriend the companions he lives with over time -- cats and all.

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3: Shetland Sheepdog

They may look like miniature versions of the Border collie, but Shetland sheepdogs have a personality all their own. They stand only 13 to 16 inches (33 to 40.6 centimeters) at the shoulder, but have an alert and intelligent disposition. This makes them especially responsive to their owners and to consistent training attempts. Shelties are adept at everything from basic obedience to agility, and can readily understand any command that amounts to "don't chase the cat." In fact, the loyal affection these herding dogs show their owners is matched only by their tolerance and patience when faced with smaller species like cats-- particularly if initially supervised to make sure the friendship get off on the right paw.

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2: Japanese Chin

Bred as companions, it's easy to see why a Japanese Chin would become fast friends with their human -- or even a cat their human also happens to love. The Japanese Chin actually originated in China, and spent much of its time warming the laps of Chinese aristocracy or accompanying royal ladies in their comings and goings. As the breed's popularity grew throughout the Far East, the dogs were gifted to traveling dignitaries -- signifying what a treasure the Japanese Chin had become to the Far East. The Japanese Chin continues to be a treasure today, and is an affectionate (if not occasionally reserved) breed with an even temperament that can adapt to dynamic households, including playful kittens or adult cats.

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1: Bichon Frise

There's much to love about the Bichon Frise. They're cheerful, playful and gentle -- all great qualities in a companion dog. At up to 12 pounds (5.4 kilograms) and 11.5 inches (29.2 centimeters) in height, this powder-puff of a dog is a perfectly packaged compadre. And that goes for cats, too. When raised together, a Bichon and a housecat can become fast friends, playing and wrestling like siblings. Even if introduced later in life, the two can learn to get along if the cat isn't especially aggressive or flighty. Small dogs like the Bichon Frise are especially likely to be harmed by cat claws; most dogs won't chase a cat that doesn't run. By employing a consistent brand of positive reinforcement, even reluctant Bichons can be trained to tolerate cats.

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These Dogs don't like Cats. There are exceptions to every rule, but high-energy, prey-driven dogs are more likely to see your cat as a snack or entertainment than a buddy. Steer clear of terriers, which include Jack Russells, and sighthounds, which include greyhounds. They're more likely to terrorize a cat than befriend it.

Source: http://animal.discovery.com/petsource/small-dogs/10-cat-friendly-small-dogs.html

White tiger's tail inflamed due to too much licking, says Zoo company

A white tiger at the Singapore Zoo caused its tail to be inflamed when it licked it excessively during grooming. Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the parent company of Singapore Zoo, said this in response to an article in STOMP about the injured animal.

While grooming and licking is normal feline behaviour, excessive licking can cause inflammation of the skin.

The female tiger, Winnie, was first spotted by STOMPer Tina during her visit to the zoo last Saturday (Mar 5). She later sent in photos of the injured animal to STOMP.

In its reply, Wildlife Reserves Singapore said:

"Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) refers to the photo submitted to STOMP Singapore, 'Poor Thing! White tiger with injured tail spotted' by Stomper Tina on 6 March 2011.

"The tip portion of the female white tiger’s tail was exposed due to overgrooming and excessive licking of her fur over a period of time.

"The abrasive nature of her tongue also caused the skin to become raw and pink.

"The tiger, Winnie, had started licking her tail about two weeks ago which resulted in the fur loss.

"This is normal feline behaviour as grooming is comforting for a cat.

"However, excessive licking can cause inflammation of the skin and cause it to over granulate.

"The condition is expected to heal and the fur to grow back after some topical treatment by WRS vets.

"The vets are currently treating her tail with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and topical sprays to prevent further inflammation of the skin.

"We will continue to monitor her condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

"We thank STOMP writer Tina for her concern regarding Winnie."

Source: http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/this_urban_jungle/571784/white_tigers_tail_inflammed_due_to_overgrooming.html

S'pore sees increase in demand for exotic game meat

SINGAPORE: The demand for exotic game meat has doubled over two years. Owners of game meat stores said the increase is due to the presence of more Chinese nationals in Singapore who enjoy eating the exotic meat more than the locals. One local farmer who breeds his own game meat said 6 out of 10 customers are from China. The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority allows the import of exotic game meat like rabbit, pigeon, quail, squab and wild guinea fowl. But game meat is not common in Singapore. The Restaurant Association of Singapore said less than 10 per cent of restaurants under the organisation sell game meat. -CNA/ac Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1128467/1/.html

AVA investigating alleged case of restaurant selling dog meat

SINGAPORE : The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) is investigating an alleged case of a restaurant selling dog meat to patrons.

It has taken samples for testing to ascertain the type of meat used.

The Internet has been abuzz with comments of an eatery - identified as Song Hua Jiang Restaurant - located at Jurong East Avenue 1 featuring dog meat in its menu.

One of its dishes was apparently described as containing "braised dog meat, tofu and cabbage".

AVA said in a statement that under the law, meat can only be imported from AVA-approved sources which have met public health and food safety standards.

Authorities also ensure that local slaughter houses meet standards of safety and welfare in the treatment and handling of live animals for slaughter.

AVA said it accepts only internationally humane methods and "there is no known humane methods of slaughtering dogs for human consumption".

It added there are also no premises licensed for the slaughter of dogs in Singapore.

Anyone caught illegally slaughtering animals for human consumption or importing dog meat could be fined up to S$10,000 and jailed up to 12 months.

- CNA/al

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1127786/1/.html

Sunday Morning...

All of us still looks sleepy though...

Dog meat in Singapore's restaurant?