Decline in the Number of Animal Release Cases

Singapore, 17 May 2013 - National Parks Board (NParks) has noted a decline in the number of animal release incidents during its checks at hotspot areas such as reservoir parks and nature reserves. For the past two years, no cases have been recorded.

"We are encouraged to note the decline in the number of animal release cases in recent years," said Mr Wong Tuan Wah, Director of Conservation, NParks. "Nevertheless, we will continue to reach out to the community, and appeal to the public not to release animals into the wild. Most of these animals are kept as household pets, and many die shortly after their release as they are unable to adapt to the new surroundings. 

Operation No Release

As part of NParks' 'Operation No Release' an annual campaign held around Vesak Day to spread awareness of the dangers related to animal release, NParks will be working with volunteers to keep a lookout for any signs of animal release and conduct nature walks for the public. Besides introducing the flora and fauna in the nature reserves to the participants, volunteer guides will also explain how animal release will impact the biodiversity and ecology of the nature reserves. One such walk will be held at Dairy Farm Nature Park on 22 May. Interested participants can register with Jeanne Tan at email: Jeanne_Tan@nparks.gov.sg.

"When we buy animals to release on an occasion like Vesak Day, we drive the demand up for live animals sold in the market, and end up putting these animals through more suffering," said Ms Angie Chew Monksfield, President of the Buddhist Fellowship. "A better approach would be to reduce the amount of meat in our diet all year round, thus sparing the lives of many animals".